Loving my actual life

This book spoke to me on so many levels, and I am deeply grateful to Alexandra Kuykendall for writing it! As a mom of a teenager I know all about feeling inadequate in raising our child and as a PW I know all about the feelings of financial insecurity too lol. I so appreciate that Alexandra didn't try to brush under the messy parts of life, or try to be an answer to all life's problems with quick pat quips and formulas for becoming the successful and secure Christian that everyone assumes you have to be. I love that she let it be known that loving this life, in its mess and problems, trials and joys is not only okay, but something to be cherished. I think too many (especially Christians) try to strive to be someone else's definition of perfection that they miss out on this beautiful life they're living right now! I think this is a must read for every Christian, and will be recommending it constantly, her message of loving life even when its messy is something I think our people need to hear!

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

The Real Heaven

I have to admit that I do tend to love the books out there about people's visions or visitations to heaven, I find them heart warming and inspiring. But I've also had a nagging question about whether any of what is shared in these types of books is 100% Biblical. I looked into it a bit, but hadn't done any really in depth studying on it. So I truly appreciate that Chip Ingram took the time to really study the scriptures and put together this book! "The real Heaven" answered some of my questions I've had about previous books I've read, and I also feel that I've become more grounded on what the Bible does say about Heaven. I love that everything in this book isn't so much an "Opinion" about heaven, but a Scriptural in depth look, that is backed up by the Bible.
So I would absolutely recommend this book, I think it'll be a great tool to have on hand when others have questions (or when we ourselves have questions), and I know that when the next big "Heaven" story comes out, the first place I'll be looking will be in my Bible and this book. I think this is a must own for anyone involved in pastoral ministry or outreach!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Finding God in the Hard Times

I 100% loved this book, one of my very favorite worship songs is "Blessed Be Your Name" and I deeply loved this book by Matt and Beth Redman, the vulnerability that they showed sharing their lessons and stories was so inspiring. The lessons we the readers get to learn through their book are deep, life changing, and so important! My favorite source of comfort in times of pain and hurt is in the book of Psalms, so instantly I felt a strong connection to the book and the message the Redman's were giving.
I think one of the best lessons a Christian can learn is to worship God when life is hard or painful, I think our worship takes on so much more meaning when we can stand before Him broken and hurting and still say "God is a Good Father' and know that its true. I think the deepest growth in Christ we can have is during the most difficult times where we chose to lean on Him and trust Him inspite of our circumstances.
I highly recommend this book and will be purchasing some for both our library and to keep on hand to give away for hurting friends.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Sins of the Past

I was really looking forward to reading "Sins of the Past" All of the authors of the book are among some of my absolute favorites, so I had some big expectations for this book! And it absolutely did not disappoint, while I'm not a huge fan of romance books, I love the Suspense genre and this collection of Novellas kept my attention throughout the book. I think the only thing I didn't love about this book was that I wish it had been longer!
With each story within the novella there is a surprising amount of depth especially considering that there is less of the story then we would usually see from these authors! My favorite novella within the book I have to say is Lynette Eason's "Blackout" With her character of Macy Adams, who I thought was a fantastic Character! I love that the main character in Eason's story isn't someone who lived a perfect life, but has made some big mistakes. I love that she (Macy) is so relate-able to so many people.
However while It was my favorite within the Novella, I need to point out that the other stories are just as good, and the whole book is well worth the read!!
I Highly Recommend!!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Full of Grace

I'd like to start off by thanking  FishFlix.com  for giving me the opportunity to review "full of Grace" for them, I enjoy reviewing books and really enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to review this film!
Full of Grace is a movie based on the time line of 10 years after Jesus joined His Father in heaven, we get to see the lives and struggles that the disciples and Mary, Jesus' mother, faced as they continued on in the work that Jesus started while on earth.  I did enjoy this movie, there were some parts I really liked, some that confused me a little, and a small portion that I would they would have done better.
First of all, I loved how well the script included and the actors displayed the commitment and passion and trials of the "first followers" of Christ. It truly gives a different perspective considering how life not only changed for them (in a good way) but also became harder. I think we all know that the early followers of Christ were in because of their beliefs, and that their trials were unique, but this movie really portrayed well aspects that I wouldn't normally have considered. The leading of the disciples, and what they decided to act upon spoke to me. It shouldn't have surprised me, but I guess I had assumed that they more than anyone would lead  assured of their choices of every next step. I was surprised of their struggle, and that they seemed to have trepidation and insecurities in regards to if they were doing the right thing. It was a really interesting concept that I hadn't thought about before.
I appreciated their portrayal of Mary, Jesus' mother as well, she was shown in the movie in a role of for lack of a better word "advisor" in some instances. I appreciated that the writers didn't just place her in the background as many Christian movies sometimes have the tendency to do.
There were some scenes that just confused me and I'm unsure what they were portraying in general, however those were few and far between and didn't really bother me or my opinion of the movie!
Lastly, there are only a few complaints about the movie that I have, and they are relatively minor. There were just a couple of actors who had very thick accents, as someone who has a hearing distortion, I had a very hard time making out what they were saying. As well the movie did have a tendency to take its time throughout the movie, I felt that there were a couple of scenes that did tend to just go on a little too long.
In all, I did very much enjoy this film, I thought it was well written and very eye opening! Its definitely not a movie that you'd watch for just its "entertainment" value, but if you're looking for something thought provoking and challenging, then I think you will love this movie! So I would 100% give "Full of Grace" a big recommendation, and will be recommending a copy for our church library as well!



I was given the opportunity to review the movie "Full of Grace" by FishFlix.com in exchange for an honest review,