tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241845027039673062024-03-13T23:13:43.460-04:00Reading is Always an AdventureJennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-28687266924645546902018-11-26T17:41:00.000-05:002018-11-26T17:41:02.194-05:00RESTORE 5/5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you're not familiar with Vince Antonucci, you're missing out on some great reading. Vince is an introvert Las Vegas pastor. His style of writing is honest and funny.In 2010, I read his other book, Guerilla Lover, and was blown away - it's similar to Bob Goff's Love Does before Bob wrote his book. So when I found out Vince wrote another book, I knew I wanted to read it.<br />
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Vince has a raw vulnerability in this book. He shares about his own struggles with food and how he worked through 6 steps found in his book to move on from what is holding us back. He addresses forgiveness, which is something everyone can act on in their lives.<br />
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I read this book by myself, but I also bought it for a few friends. I am continuing a journey of reading books to become a healed person. He emphasizes over and over how much we need community. He talks about how we can combat lies with the Truth of God's Word.<br />
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"In community I find healing; in isolation I never will" (235). If you're looking for healing, go get this book. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-6c29449e-7107-4c84-b9e2-bb0cc541dbb7" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.</b></span></span></span><br />
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Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-47222754931149487912018-06-26T19:33:00.003-04:002018-06-26T19:40:36.867-04:00Choosing Marriage: we>me 5/5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z-qQEL0xWDw/WzLNNZBgH6I/AAAAAAAAzsw/CW-bGhhcMGwzrURH6N7UlOXaLXizKoeBACLcBGAs/s1600/51pdrJQi3OL._SX321_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="323" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z-qQEL0xWDw/WzLNNZBgH6I/AAAAAAAAzsw/CW-bGhhcMGwzrURH6N7UlOXaLXizKoeBACLcBGAs/s320/51pdrJQi3OL._SX321_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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I don't remember when I first discovered Debra Fileta, but she is my soul sister. Debra is a self-proclaimed realist, which is why I like her approach so much. She is the author of the site, <i>True Love Dates</i>. She does not beat around the bush with her relationship advice.<br />
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I signed up to be on the book's Launch team, but I was quickly reminded I should not plan to do anything at the end of the school year - oops - my bad! So sorry, Debra. Better late than never, right?!<br />
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I am a slow reader, but I wanted to make sure I was taking the time to gain the wisdom and knowledge Debra was sharing with singles and couples alike about relationships. Each chapter ended with reflection questions for singles and couples. <br />
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Now to get to why you all should grab a copy from Amazon or your local bookstore - it is AWESOME. Worth it. I like to read relationship books because I am far from perfect and like to hear what others have to say on the subject.<br />
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"A good marriage comes from a series of decisions over an extended period of time, with the commitment of two people choosing to love each other no matter what my come their way" (23). I wish people could understand this concept - and I am saying this as a single person. Even though I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of marriages around me, it still remains a life goal to be a wife and mother. I believe it is worth it and reading this book has given me hope that it is possible to have a good marriage. I will never truly understand marriage until I am married because "[y]ou can't experience real love with a person until you've experienced the entirety of a person - the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful" (101).<br />
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In this book, Debra addresses communication barriers, boundaries, and learning about good sex within marriage. She shares personal stories as well as stories from those she counseled.<br />
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Debra is a straight-shooter when she states, "Seek accountability.... Get a tight rein on your thought life! Stop feeding your mind entertainment that will pollute it with lust.... [I]f you don't have a community, it's time to turn off Netflix, get off social media, and start investing in real-life relationships with godly people" (175). Ouch. That applies to singles and couples alike.<br />
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Debra's last chapter called "The Beautiful Exchange" could be a book itself, comparing the seasons of a year to seasons in marriage. I guess it is how you view each natural season how you would compare it to marriage, but it's a challenge to think deeper about the ebb and flow of life seasons. <br />
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"Marry someone who will make you better" (184).Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-12293644632211580102018-01-16T10:41:00.004-05:002018-01-16T10:41:51.812-05:00The Broken Way: 4/5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While I was not a fan of Ann's first book due to the flowery language, this book came highly recommended, so I attempted reading it with the help of Audible. I am glad I did because it is a much-needed book on brokenness. She shares personal details of her life you would never guess she struggles with, proving that authors are human! This book is all about accepting your own brokenness, finding community in the brokenness and looking to God for healing. She has many great insights in this book, even sharing some life wisdom with her daughter, who seems to be following the same path as her. <br /><br />
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"You have only one decision every day: how will you use your time" (p. 59)? <i>True story. What we give our time to determines what and who we love!</i><br />
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"Why is it so hard to believe you are believed in?... Letting yourself beloved is an act of terrifying vulnerability and surrender" (pp. 99-100). <i>This section of the book really hit hard. Being single, I sometimes doubt myself as being a worthy partner to someone. I guess even married people feel this way sometimes</i><br />
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<i> </i>"You can't know the wine you will be during the days you are breaking and being crushed like grapes. <i>Are the most painful chapters of our lives always the most meaningful</i>" (p. 170)?<br />
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My favorite chapter in the book was chapter fourteen called "Breaking the Lies in Your Head".<br />
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<b>"[T]he loneliness of self-protecting barriers can feel like it will kill you - and the heart-breaking risk of intimacy and vulnerability can feel like it will kill you, too (p. 213). </b><br />
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I think Voscamp is obsessed with the number one thousand - she writes it a lot. I guess her first love will always be her first book, <i>One Thousand Gifts</i>, but I much preferred <i>The Broken Way</i>. If it's possible, I think the book just kept getting better, much preferring the later chapters in this book that talked about grace. Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-85601071829652339112018-01-08T15:00:00.000-05:002018-01-08T15:00:02.716-05:00Rising Strong: 5/5<br />
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Brene Brown brings it again! After reading <i>Daring Greatly</i> last year and being in the tough arena of teaching urban students, it was great to read this book in late 2017. I have not written about it because it just takes a little time to process.<br />
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My heart needed this book. I learned that through my experiences, I have become a badass, "feeling machines who think and engage with their own emotions and the emotions of the people they love, parent, and lead" (p. 8).<br />
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Other key passages include: <br />
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<li>"We can rise up from our failures, screwups, and falls, but <b><u>we can never go back</u></b> to where we stood before we were brave or before we fell" (p. 5).</li>
<li>"The most difficult part of our stories is often what we bring to them - what we make up about who we are and how we are perceived by others... The most dangerous stories we make up are the narratives that diminish our inherent worthiness. We must reclaim the truth about our lovabilitiy, divinity, and creativity" (pp. 75, 82). </li>
<li>The most mind-blowing thought from this book had to be "we're all doing the best we can" (p. 118). I struggle to believe it for myself as a recovering perfectionist, but I have seen it is a better way to view the world. </li>
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This is a book I will be coming back to - almost every page having an underline of something that stuck out to me. Each chapter begins with an IG-worthy quote and a short quote to start the chapter.<br />
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I was able to relate to Brene's story because grieved a lot due to my parents' divorce and losing my grandmother to Alzheimer's, too (p. 145). Our perfectionist nature, temptation to compare, and introversion also hit home in the book (pp. 194-195, 221). Good to know that on so many levels, I am not alone.<br />
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I loved this book, and while I cannot read her books quickly, I thoroughly enjoy them. <u><b>GO GET THIS BOOK!</b></u>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-76679018966962022482018-01-07T16:26:00.002-05:002018-01-07T16:26:55.689-05:00Cupid is a Procrastinator: 2/5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I found Kate's story of singleness easy to relate to as I read it. Being single in your 30's is different than being single in your 20's.<br />
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<li>"... I often feel like I have been perpetually living the life of a college student, roommates and all, for the last fifteen years..." (p. 37).</li>
<li>She makes the point that not having a family of your own is a loss - even something that never existed can be a loss, which is hard for some people to understand (pp. 38-39).</li>
<li>"I do struggle with people telling me how hard marriage is, which is the default response when people find out that I am in my thirties and not married" (p. 111). </li>
<li>"Sometimes, we don't see God's provision even when it is right in front of us because it looks different from what we expected" (p.131). </li>
<li>[W]hen it comes to dating, we Christians have believed in some weird crap" (p.142).</li>
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Although it was interesting to read, I found it somewhat frustrating seeing her quote her own songs and other authors quite a bit towards the end of the book. She also plainly states in the book how much she wants a different life with a husband and kids, which is easy to relate to, but annoying to read. Her blog is called "The Sexy Celibate".<br />
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The last chapter should have been the first, reminding singles that we are part of the Greatest Love Story with God. It is the foundation of every Christian book for singles, reminding us we are already part of a love story.<br />
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The afterword was unnecessary, and the last line of chapter 18 left a bad taste in my mouth for this book: "In the end, it will not really matter if you are single or married or divorced, if you are beautiful <u><b>or ugly</b></u>, if you are abandoned or cherished. You are the Beloved. Forever no more alone" (p. 211). Really? <br />
Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-4813085256043827112017-12-23T17:40:00.002-05:002017-12-23T17:40:42.467-05:00The Dream Giver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is one of three books a friend recommended to help me refocus in life. It was a quick and easy read, but it was a powerful allegory. It is about a person named Ordinary going on a journey toward his Big Dream. It talks about obstacles Ordinary faced, even from loved ones who think they are trying to be "realistic".<br />
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Pursuing his "Dream could cause him a lot of discomfort. He would have to do unfamiliar things in unfamiliar places" (22). His journey continues through the Waste Land, where Ordinary realizes he changed! "His trip through the Waste Land had not been a Waste. Now he was prepared for what lay ahead, no matter how hard" (40).<br />
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"[E]ach time you break through a Comfort Zone, the area of your comfort increases. You become comfortable with more and more things. You could stay there, of course, but a Dream is a person whose life is in motion" (97).<br />
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This was powerful to read because of the past school year and pushing through tough situations to pursue my dreams. It has helped me grieve parts of my journey and has given me hope for the rest! I highly recommend this book! Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-21598781742969679052017-12-09T07:34:00.001-05:002017-12-09T07:35:37.841-05:00Bible Promises to Live By for Women<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oU9bAsjrKu8/WivXL5KGKBI/AAAAAAAAtj8/aBapkw8rPX0FEAqv_o98v67oPk8e3GjgwCLcBGAs/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oU9bAsjrKu8/WivXL5KGKBI/AAAAAAAAtj8/aBapkw8rPX0FEAqv_o98v67oPk8e3GjgwCLcBGAs/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you need a little book of emergency verses to get you through struggles such as anxiety, temptation and stress, look no further.<br />
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This book is designed to be a go to when you have a specific topic you are struggling with and want relevant Bible verses to get you through that time. It is not a story book, but more like a reference book for times of need. It is organized alphabetically, so finding each topic is easy. The promises of God are powerful. Here is a small book filled with them! Great gift idea for a friend who might be going through a loss and needs to be reminded of the power of God's Word.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-6c29449e-7107-4c84-b9e2-bb0cc541dbb7" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.</b></span></span></span><br />
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<br />Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-8583618577340952232017-11-09T20:04:00.000-05:002017-11-09T20:04:49.347-05:00Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7AlUEa-_1E/WgT5CrBVftI/AAAAAAAAs70/xDXNVp95fGg2XEk0z5JrRoXjuAR3UtTeACLcBGAs/s1600/daily%2Bacts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7AlUEa-_1E/WgT5CrBVftI/AAAAAAAAs70/xDXNVp95fGg2XEk0z5JrRoXjuAR3UtTeACLcBGAs/s320/daily%2Bacts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you're looking for a family devotional to jump start 2018, look no further! This daily devotional includes a one page devotion with a Scripture and a daily action to challenge you and your family to show kindness to others. While others can purchase the book, this was written by three women who wanted to challenge their family and others to live out their faith in practical ways. This is a daily challenge to start your day with something positive. I recommend it highly for mothers, families, or others who could use the quick reminder that Scripture can be applied to real life.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span><span id="docs-internal-guid-6c29449e-7107-4c84-b9e2-bb0cc541dbb7" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.</b></span></span></span></span>
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Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-63784707255968152632017-10-06T07:59:00.002-04:002017-10-06T08:00:26.116-04:00Convicted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Convicted</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> is a story that hits
close to home. I am from Southwest Michigan , in the neighboring town of Saint
Joe, which is mostly white. It was so interesting for me to read Jameel's
perspective, who grew up in the neighboring town of Benton Harbor, which is
mostly black. His life in Benton Harbor was a fight for survival (85). I found
myself unable to put this book down as I processed the events of what happened
from both sides of the story (a rarity in cases like this) and went through the
many emotions attached to the story.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This is a story of anger,
forgiveness, and an unlikely friendship. Jameel and his brother "ended up
in some of the worst foster-care families in the world because [their] home
life was so bad growing up.... Most of the misery [Jameel] lived through as a
little kid came from [his] parents'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>addictions. [Jameel] hated drugs" (82). When Jameel was convicted
for selling drugs, readers can just imagine the amount of anger he had towards
the cop who putting him away in prison. However, Jameel "was tired of
being alone" and eventually he "had to keep making an effort to
connect with people every day" (109).</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">This story
was a quick read - you wanted to know what happened next from both sides.
Jameel and Andrew switch perspectives every other chapter, so we get both sides
of the story. We see the truth of what growing up in Benton Harbor is like and
what it was like for Andrew to come into this city and what happens in the
police department. "Most of the people selling dope in poor communities
like Benton Harbor do it because they don't know any different and don't have
any other options. The schools are bad. The jobs don't pay a livable wage. And
the drug dealers drive the best cars in town. Poor kids see this and figure
it's the only way to get ahead" (177). </span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It did give me a renewed hope that
the Church can be an agent of change for our culture in the area of racial
reconciliation. I know Brian Bennett and Overflow Church and love what they do
for the community of Benton Harbor. It is refreshing, having lived in this area
and seen the divisions for so long now to see a place where everyone is welcome.
Jameel and Andrew are leading the way in difficult conversations and are true
examples of being Christ followers - not only following when it's easy, but
following Christ no matter what.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I received
this book for WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books. I received this
book for free in exchange for a review of the book.
</span></span></span></div>
Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-13010158823996685082017-09-30T11:38:00.000-04:002017-09-30T11:38:43.690-04:00Almost There: Searching for Home in a Life on the Move<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KbXREkS9DxQ/Wc-yJ5wO7NI/AAAAAAAAsEc/33LwEvqIZ4IS8SplcxcQMYF3v9GeTZe_gCLcBGAs/s1600/images.duckduckgo.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KbXREkS9DxQ/Wc-yJ5wO7NI/AAAAAAAAsEc/33LwEvqIZ4IS8SplcxcQMYF3v9GeTZe_gCLcBGAs/s320/images.duckduckgo.com.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Bekah DiFelice is a military wife, and although I am not in the military, because of some moves I have made in life, I related to this book a lot. My search for home has brought many tears and has led to conversations of frustration trying to explain to my family that while I am single, I am my own family unit as an adult. This book has been the cry of my heart for the past ten years at least.<br />
<br />
I am so thankful to Bekah DiFelice for writing this book and speaking
words that spoke to my heart. It is a much needed book, whether or not
you're in the military and can fully relate to her stories. Home is very important to me, but it is also this elusive place/people because of discontent in my heart to stay in one place. How can we find home in a life on the move? <br />
<br />
<br />
"All my life has been a slow discovery of the sturdiness of God against the fleeting nature of everything else" (40).<br />
<br />
"[H]ome is experienced in relationship - the place where you are known and loved at the same time.... where you are seen and understood and not thought too much of" (101).<br />
<br />
Chapter eight struck a cord with me because it talked about the most homesick day - Sundays. My first Sunday at college was one of the most homesick for me, having grown up going to church with my family and just enjoying time together. I love Sundays - and it's the day I missed my family the most while living in DC the past four years.<br />
<br />
"We all are our parents' children at the very same moment we are our most independent selves. And I suppose that sometimes we have to miss our parents to realize how deeply we love them - and still need them" (138).<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span><span id="docs-internal-guid-6c29449e-7107-4c84-b9e2-bb0cc541dbb7" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.</b></span></span></span></span> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-22270901864694191532017-07-21T18:29:00.000-04:002017-07-21T18:29:13.203-04:00Nothing to Prove<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKzgmhIBKYM/WXJ9Zg4DtFI/AAAAAAAAp2g/lgpbjs4fgAgnDI0CrhmKXlnw0upupyD3gCLcBGAs/s1600/nothing%2Bto%2Bprove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="328" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKzgmhIBKYM/WXJ9Zg4DtFI/AAAAAAAAp2g/lgpbjs4fgAgnDI0CrhmKXlnw0upupyD3gCLcBGAs/s320/nothing%2Bto%2Bprove.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
If you have ever felt like you never measure up, this is a book you should get a hold of ASAP. I could relate to a lot of what Jennie Allen wrote in her book, <i>Nothing to Prove</i>.<br />
<br />
"Sadly because life is hard and most of us don't feel like we are knocking it out of the park for God or anyone else, we live a bit afraid that when God looks our way, He is disappointed" (31).<br />
<br />
The thing that hits home the most is that "We want to do things for God without spending time with God" (94). This past year has been brutal, but like she writes just before that line, "There are no spiritual helicopters out of the desert", checking in on you during your wilderness season.<br />
<br />
"Because God is enough and has enough, we can rest" (129). I sometimes doubt this and really have to check myself if I trust the most Trustworthy person.<br />
<br />
The last of my favorite quotes hits home as a Feeler: "Emotions are compasses, not destinations. We don't ignore them and we don't camp out in them, but we let them show us the places God wants to meet us and the places we need to do work" (177).<br />
<br />
This past year was really tough for me and I hope I am on the other side of a valley. This book was the perfect read, although because I was down, it took forever to read.<br />
<br />
I received
this book for WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books. I received this
book for free in exchange for a review of the book.Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-29843735086141920922017-06-22T20:50:00.000-04:002017-07-21T18:29:46.406-04:00Waking Up Slowly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I'm finally able to read again after the school year finished last Wednesday.<br />
<br />
This book was a good one to get back into reading!<br />
<br />
Burchett makes the point we need to put our phones down to really live life. While they can be useful pieces of technology, we also need to learn how to be present with God and each other.<br />
<br />
As I am slowing down from the school year, I am reminded of the importance of rest.<br />
<br />
"The world gets along just fine without my help. That is disappointing and liberating at the same time" (78).<br />
<br />
"The past is real. I can't pretend it didn't happen. I need to pick the good and even the rotten fruit to learn how it affected me. Then I burn what's left so I can heal and be present in the moment" (88).<br />
<br />
I found myself nodding in agreement to so many things in his book. Little life lessons you can learn from simple things around you if you just take the time to open your eyes. I appreciate his simple life lessons in short chapters, complete with quotes and pictures of important things in his life to start each one.<br />
<br />
Time to go on vacation and unplug.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span id="docs-internal-guid-6c29449e-7107-4c84-b9e2-bb0cc541dbb7" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
</b></span></span></span></span> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-78675218856131677452017-04-25T15:32:00.000-04:002017-04-25T15:32:49.558-04:00The Road Back to YouRecently I had a conversation with my friend Joel about the Enneagram. There are nine numbers that help with self-awareness and personality types.<br />
<br />
When I took the <a href="https://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/dotest.php">free test online</a>, I found out I was a 4 with a 5 wing. That means I am mainly a 4 influenced by the 5.<br />
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Four is the Romantic or Individualist. We appreciate beauty, nature, and order. We also have very strong feelings and have a strong desire to be unique. Fives are Investigators who observe a lot.<br />
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<br />
This book, <i>The Road Back to You</i>, was eye-opening. I also listened to the podcasts on my spring break. I found out a lot about people I love. A lot of my best friends are Twos, Helpers. My dad (and likely my boss) are Eights, Challengers.<br />
<br />
If you are into MBTI, StrengthsFinders, or becoming more self-aware, check out this book!Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-20819082438901005222017-04-25T15:26:00.000-04:002017-04-25T15:26:01.074-04:00Jojo Moyes!A while ago there was a new movie that came out that looked interesting: a woman caretaker who fell in love with the man she was caring for. I decided to check out the book by Jojo Moyes, <i>Me Before You</i>. I had no idea what the book was about or that it would address the topic of euthanasia. This book caused so much anxiety - just because I could not wait to see what happened next. The book was better than the movie (surprise, surprise).<br />
<br />
I had actually read <i>Paris for One</i> before <i>Me Before You</i>. <i>Paris for One</i> was a great book of short stories. I am currently reading <i>After You</i>. All of these books make me appreciate Moyes' writing style. It's nice to read an author who is such a great storyteller. <br />
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Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-13656637402825078352017-04-25T15:12:00.001-04:002017-04-25T15:12:45.086-04:00Spring ReadsThis year has been tough for me.<br />
I have not been able to read as much as I want to.<br />
<br />
But the few books I HAVE read this spring were powerful.<br />
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<b>Let Me Be a Woman</b> - This book was written by Elisabeth Elliot to her engaged daughter. It is a book of life wisdom to read just before getting married. Someday I hope to read it again and gain a fresh perspective. Even as a single woman, marriage is one of my favorite topics. I have had several conversations about it lately and how hard it is. Elliot does not beat around the bush with her daughter - she lets her know it is hard work.<br />
<br />
"[I]t takes a bold man to venture to take a wife" (27).<br />
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"[W]ho is it you marry? You marry a sinner. There's nobody else to marry" (68).<br />
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<b>The Cost of Discipleship</b> - I have been trying to read this book for years, but I finally got the audiobook, which helped me finish it! Bonhoeffer has great insight into grace and what we often accept in life - cheap grace. Deep thoughts in this book. One to be revisited. </div>
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<b>Daring Greatly </b>- This is my first Brene Brown book. I started listening to the audiobook and knew I had to buy the book as well ASAP! This book was eye-opening and greatly needed.<br />
<br />
"[T]he people who love me... were never critics who were pointing at me when I stumbled.... They were with me in the arena. Fighting for me and with me" (56).<br />
<br />
"We are hard on others because we are hard on ourselves" (98).<br />
<br />
[W]e have to be wiling to give ourselves a break and appreciate the beauty of our cracks or imperfections To be kinder and gentler with ourselves and each other. To talk to ourselves the same way we'd talk to someone we care about" (131).<br />
<br />
If you decide to walk into the arena and <i>dare greatly</i>, you're going to get kicked around" (167).<br />
<br />
On pages 188-194, it talks about shame in schools. This topic is very personal to me and it was refreshing to see it addressed. Needless to say, this will not be my last Brene Brown book or the last time I'll read this one. Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-70656476944296193812017-01-28T21:54:00.001-05:002017-01-28T21:54:45.542-05:00The Naturalist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I live in Washington, DC and am ashamed to admit I do not know the history as well as I would like to. In order to work on that, I chose this book about Teddy Roosevelt, thinking it would give me an insight into his life as President. While it does mention that part of his life, this book focuses on one of Roosevelt's biggest passions - the natural world. He loved studying it, choosing to live a life of adventure. I found this book fascinating because it did not focus on his presidency but his lifelong passion of studying the natural world around him. <br />
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I must make a disclaimer here that simply states I am from the Midwest and was not at all bothered by guns, hunting, and taxidermy. Roosevelt had a great respect for the natural world and did not just use hunting as a sport for fun. He was collecting specimen to be studied and displayed in the Smithsonian Museums in DC. This "asthmatic city slicker" loved being outside (76).<br />
<br />
Lunde shared that Roosevelt had his share of grief when his mother and wife, Alice, died on the same day (108). He eventually ended up marrying his childhood friend, Edith Carow (155).<br />
<br />
The Republican Party wanted to kill Roosevelt's political career and encouraged him to run as William McKinley's VP. Sadly, McKinley was assassinated, making Roosevelt President (157, 162).<br />
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"Whether the species lived on or died out, Roosevelt was empathetic that people needed to see the white rhinoceros. If they couldn't experience the animals in Africa, at least they should have the chance to see them in a museum" (247).<br />
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"To really understand Roosevelt the naturalist, we need to locate him in the naturalists' world that he knew - a world that wholeheartedly embraced guns, hunting, and taxidermy as equally important to the naturalists' craft" (255). <br />
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I received
this book for WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books. I received this
book for free in exchange for a review of the book.</div>
Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-87352501777788369482017-01-10T21:03:00.000-05:002017-01-28T21:57:34.222-05:00The Wired Soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
SLOW DOWN.<br />
I'm telling myself this all the time in this
have-to-be-on-Facebook-all-the-time culture. This book is a good read
for the end of the year (I actually finished in December). It helps to
refocus and remember what is important. Like Rhodes, I have a love-hate
relationship with technology. It's supposed to make you more connected
but can oftentimes make you feel lonelier. There were four parts to the
book: Lectio, Meditatio, Oratio, and Contemplatio. Basically getting
back to slowing down the pace of life and not looking at a screen all
day. How are we to know the thoughts of God if we are distracted by so
much noise? Although I did not participate in the activities in the
book, it could help someone who needs to slow down and rediscover our
mysterious God. <br />
<br />
Here were a few of my favorite quotes:<br />
"Can you say with confidence that technology is a servant to your needs rather than a silent taskmaster over you" (7)?<br />
<br />
"[T]oo
much digital engagement... can keep me from showing up for my life,
from being mindful of God, from living in the present moment, whether
set aside for work, rest, connecting with other, or even play" (76).<br />
<br />
"Contemplatives move at a slower pace. [T]hey see things other people miss" (182). I love that. Consider me in the Slow Club.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-6c29449e-7107-4c84-b9e2-bb0cc541dbb7" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
</b></span></span></span> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-82846069897152972692016-08-13T14:10:00.001-04:002016-08-13T14:13:41.878-04:00Summer 2016 ReadsSummer was busy, but before fall kicks off with another round of school, I wanted to share some of the books I read recently. All very different, but that's the joy of choosing books to read. Here are some of my summer reads:<br />
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<b>Educating Esme </b>is a hilarious account of a teacher's first year. It is an honest look at the ins and outs of teaching. Being aware of factors in teaching that are outside of your control is essential to teaching, and one Madame Esme was unashamed to write about in her book. It made me laugh and cry. What an inspiration as I finished my residency year of teaching and begin my first year in my own classroom.<br />
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<b>Highlights</b>: She studied Native Americans with her students and had interactive activities, including a naming ceremony (103). I was inspired when I started my own Native American unit, renaming Morning Meeting to Campfire and having our own naming ceremony. I became "Great Legend".<br />
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"I believe exposure to print is the key to reading achievement" (119).</div>
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<b>Gracism</b> is personal to me. This is by Dr. David Anderson, a preacher in the DMV (for those outside the area, that's not the Secretary of State's office; it stands for DC/Maryland/Virginia). I have heard him speak at National Community Church a few times and love his passion. His book on racial reconciliation is a major passion of mine, especially living in a city like DC. I follow him on Twitter and notice Brian Bennett's interaction with him as well. Brian is a preacher in my hometown area. He bridges the gap between Benton Harbor and Saint Joseph. Both men are working hard to love and include everyone in the Church. <u><b>Read this book</b></u><b>. </b>I also want to check out his book, <i>Letters Across the Divide</i>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Highlights</b>: "In heaven, there will be one church and it will be multicultural" (41).<br />
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"So many people in the maturation process of race relations also need room to struggle, grow, disagree and fail" (71).<br />
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<b>The Meaning of Marriage </b>was a great read, even for a single person. I'm sure married people would have a different, more applicable perspective on the thoughts Keller shared. I always like to read books like this just to get some inside info on marriage. Maybe it'll come in handy someday.<br />
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<b>Highlights</b>: "Today we are looking for someone who accepts us as we are and fulfills our desires, and this creates an unrealistic set of expectations that frustrates both the searchers and the searched for" (27).</div>
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<b>Bossypants</b> got me through summer school and grad school. It was hilarious. Just read it when you need some good laughs in your life! If nothing else, people who recognize it when you're carrying it around will tell you how much they loved reading it! Good conversation starter. <br />
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<b>Highlights</b>: I have a uniquely German capacity to vacillate between sentimentality and coldness (131).<br />
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I prefer the retro chic of spending Christmas just like Joseph and Mary did - traveling arduously back to the place of your birth to be counted, with no guarantee of a bed when you get there (245).<br />
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<b>The Listening Life</b> is Adam McHugh's second book. I loved his first book, <i>Introverts in the Church</i>. This book had a different feel to it, and it took perseverance to get through some of it. But overall this book contains good principles to know how to slow down and listen well.<br />
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<b>Highlights</b>: "I dream of a place where leaders listen to followers, adults listen to children, men listen to women, the majority listens to the minority, the rich listen to the poor, and insiders listen to outsiders" (203).</div>
Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-11215792208171457882016-05-17T21:57:00.000-04:002017-01-28T21:57:21.817-05:00Backwards Beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I get it. Using reverse psychology to get people to do what you want them to. I didn't really like the title/subtitle of this book, but I enjoyed this book overall. It was mainly written for high school girls (or at least girls living with their parents still based on a few lines in the book), so just be aware of that if you're looking to buy this as a twenty/thirty-something.<br />
<br />
I like connecting with authors and I think Jessie and I could be friends in real life.<br />
<br />
I liked how she had extras you could check out at the website. Jessie ended every chapter with a written prayer and small group questions you could use if you wanted. I did not use them, but I could see how this could be a good book for a high school girls' study.<br />
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Jessie had a way of convicting you about things but also helping you realize you are not alone by mentioning that she struggles, too. She covered everything from beauty/makeup to food and exercise. She uncovered the ugliness of pride and jealousy in women's lives. <br />
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"There's nothing as beautiful as a smile. A smile shows confidence, joy, and peace with yourself. A smile is contagious and brings life to the people around you" (63). That's great because smiling's my favorite, to quote ELF. :)<br />
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Are we willing to listen to what God says about us over the voices in our heads that come from other people or ourselves?<br />
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A lot of great principles can be found in this book. I recommend this to young women to gain perspective on the topic of beauty.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-6c29449e-7107-4c84-b9e2-bb0cc541dbb7" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
</b></span></span></span> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-44440989468952228322016-05-13T21:48:00.002-04:002017-01-28T21:59:50.021-05:00Messy Grace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I really appreciated this book. Caleb has a way of sharing his story
that is respectful to all people mentioned. He shares some of the
details of what it was like to struggle with his newfound faith and the
tension it caused in his relationships with his parents. "When I was put
in a position of having to choose either [my parents] or God, I was
facing the most difficult decision of my life. Many nights I stayed up
late and seriously thought about no longer following Jesus. If I did
that, at least I would have my parents back. I couldn't go back, though"
(125).<br />
<br />
This book gave me a lot to think about in relation to
being a Christian who wants to show love to all people. "It's time that
we Christians focus on building bridges with the LGBT community rather than burn them" (59).<br />
<br />
Caleb was challenging and honest. I recommend this book.<br />
<br />
I received
this book for WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books. I received this
book for free in exchange for a review of the book. Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-85648191455441515682016-01-23T19:30:00.002-05:002016-01-23T19:31:55.858-05:00I Was Blind (Dating), But Now I See<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This book. So good. I highly recommend this book to my friends who are single. If you are married, it might also help you understand your single friends better and give you an insight into what goes on in the dating world these days.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't know if you've ever read a book and instantly connected with the author, but I'm pretty sure Stephanie and I are soul sisters. She's an introvert who grew up with one brother. She talks about moles, awkward moments, and having to explain that as a single person, she has one person in her family. She struggles with hospitality and had a married man express interest in her. The similarities in our lives were crazy. With each sentence, I was pulled into her dating stories and seeing how God wove all of them together to help her become who she is now.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This entire book is about how over the span of a few years, she gets set up with eight different men. I had to laugh at her take on online dating: "<span id="docs-internal-guid-6c29449e-7107-4c84-b9e2-bb0cc541dbb7" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Two of my least favorite pastimes were getting rejected by someone and rejecting someone else. Why would I pay monthly fees to experience exponentially more of both" (176)?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-6c29449e-7107-4c84-b9e2-bb0cc541dbb7" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This book gave me hope. It gave me a lot to think about in becoming who I need to be. It also begs the question, <b>Who knows any good men they'd like to set me up with now?</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-6c29449e-7107-4c84-b9e2-bb0cc541dbb7" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
</b> </span></span></span>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-78676529365729720262016-01-09T15:18:00.002-05:002016-01-09T15:18:15.552-05:00Whatever is Lovely Coloring Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<i><b>Whatever is Lovely</b></i> is a great coloring book that is for reflection and worship. It is not just Scriptures but inspiring quotes. The great thing about this one is that it is not so overwhelming with tiny areas to color, so it does not take forever to complete a page. Here's an example of what I did for one of the pages. </div>
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I liked using nontraditional colors to make it different. Coloring is relaxing and while it is becoming more of a trend to use adult coloring books, it is also just good to calm down and do something that does not involve technology. </div>
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This book includes different artists who drew the black and white outlines for each page. On the back of each page, there is a verse or description of what inspired the work of art. In the back of the book, there's also a Spotify playlist people can find to listen to while coloring. I am a fan of music-inspired art. </div>
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Pick this book up if you are looking for a way to relax after a long day or reflect on the weekends. </div>
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I received
this book for WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books. I received this
book for free in exchange for a review of the book.</div>
Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-56827466114248684792015-12-30T09:36:00.003-05:002015-12-30T09:36:54.154-05:00One Thousand Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I received this book from a friend who loved it. We were in Haiti when
she read it three years ago - and it took me three years to be
disciplined enough to pick the book up and read it.<br /><br />I don't like
flowery language. Say what you need to say... or become a fiction
writer. It was hard to read this book because she had this story writing
feel while trying to get across the main point of the book -
thankfulness. Please pick one or the other, Ann. I appreciated your
openness in sharing parts of your own story, but it was meshed with
little nuggets of wisdom that could have done better in a different
setting.<br /><br />I like the general concept - be grateful and realize all
the blessings God is giving you every day. My pastor mentioned almost
weekly the idea of having a gratitude journal (which is not a new thing
that Ann invented, she is just bringing it into the spotlight).<br /><br />This
book is for some people, but not for all. I felt like she was the
Charles Dickens of Christian authors. Does she get paid by the word?Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-70842848531676453192015-12-24T16:26:00.000-05:002015-12-24T16:26:13.792-05:00Still<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
This book.<br />
<br data-mce-bogus="1" />
Stop what you are doing now and treat yourself to <a data-mce-href="http://www.amazon.com/Still-Mid-Faith-Lauren-F-Winner/dp/0061768286/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450990709&sr=1-1&keywords=still+%2B+winner" href="http://www.amazon.com/Still-Mid-Faith-Lauren-F-Winner/dp/0061768286/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450990709&sr=1-1&keywords=still+%2B+winner">this book</a>.<br />
<br />
Lauren
F. Winner teaches at Duke. She is divorced. She lost her mother. She is
honest that life does not always turn out the way you thought it would.<br />
<br />
I
knew I had found a kindred spirit when she talked about her inability
to create masterpieces in the kitchen, her love for doodling prayers,
and her affinity for the balcony at church.<br />
<br />
"[W]hat
I feared most about loneliness [was n]ot being alone, which I often ind
perfect and peaceful, but loneliness, which makes me want to die, which
makes me think I <em>will</em> die, which I will do anything to avoid
feeling" (54). "Sit with the loneliness and ask what the loneliness can
do for you" (56).<br />
<br />
"I am too lazy to do what's important, or hard, so I stay busy with everything else" (105).<br />
I
cannot pinpoint the exact thing that makes me connect and love her
writing, but I plan to check out more of her books. My favorite chapter
was "A Sunday morning in Massachusetts". <br />
<br />
Check it out!Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824184502703967306.post-49512193309939453152015-12-12T10:23:00.002-05:002015-12-12T10:23:30.648-05:00Through a Man's Eyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Shaunti Feldhahn and Craig Gross partner up to bring women what they
want: an inside scoop on what men are thinking. Feldhahn and Gross talk
about what goes on in a man's mind and why he is so visual. They cover a
variety of topics and do not shy away from tough ones. They include how
to address porn and masturbation. They are quick to let you know it is
not uncommon to get professional help for relationship problems based on problems like porn. <br /><br />Because
I have read most of Feldhahn's books, men's visual nature is not new to
me, but it may shock some women. "Whereas women's memories are tied
more to what they felt, men's memories are more tied to what they have seen" (37).<br /><br />Every
woman can benefit from reading this book. While some of it is
addressing husbands, we all know men - fathers, brothers, sons, friends.
It is important information that might help you communicate better.
There's an extensive Q&A section in the back of the book that will help. <br />
<br />
I received
this book for WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books. I received this
book for free in exchange for a review of the book. Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907038357493422158noreply@blogger.com0