Save Your Marriage in Five Minutes a Day By Bonnie Jacobson, PhD and Alexia Paul

I was a little surprised when I got this book from my book review program, as they usually supply Christian books from Thomas Nelson Publishers. The book is neither published by Thomas Nelson nor did the description or introduction mention anything about faith. For a book on marriage, I feel it is important to learn from the Biblical principles. I decided to give the book a try and sift through the information thinking it could be written to appeal to a mainstream audience, but still hold to those principles.

The book certainly looked appealing. It covers topics like sex, communication, kids, money, etc. It also offers practical five minute strategies for strengthening your marriage. I made it through the first chapter thinking it was pretty good. But then my husband decided to look a the book while I was at work and ended up reading the chapter on sex. He asked me later where I got the book and pointed out the section that suggested using "sporadic pornography" to maintain sexual vibrancy in certain situations. It doesn't matter how "sporadic" it is, we believe pornography is always wrong! I glanced through some other parts of the book and confirmed that the principles we desire to hold our marriage accountable by would not be discussed. I've chosen not to finish the book, because I cannot trust the content.

Hopefully I will have a better book experience next time! :)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Shelter of God's Promises by Sheila Walsh

Using her own personal experiences coupled with relevant Scriptures, Sheila Walsh reminds readers that no matter what you are going through, you are not alone. Each chapter covers a different promise in God’s word that shelters us from life’s storms: love, hope, grace, confidence, provision, strength and more. Sheila is sensitive to issues of the heart as she describes human experiences of hopelessness, redemption, pain and victory. She makes the Bible come to life, enabling readers to understand how tangible His promises really are.

Sheila has a style of writing that will engage many readers, using storytelling and multiple examples to illustrate the relevance of God’s Word. She also includes an in-depth Bible study in the back of the book to help readers apply Scripture directly to their own lives. I appreciate them both, as I think there is unique purpose for both resources. I believe it is extremely important to be able to apply Scripture to specific moments in life. In this way, our relationship with God is deepened, our faith is strengthened and our lives are abundantly blessed. I think this book is a great way to discover how to begin the process of standing on God’s promises, especially in some of the worst storms of life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan

This book is a compilation of hymns, from the 1600’s to present day, accompanied by short stories (devotionals) of how they originated. The devotionals describe the history of the songs, composers and lyricists. The author has also included the sheet music for each hymn making it a songbook as well. It is nice that there are a wide variety of songs from different time periods and for various occasions and holidays.

This book is more informational than it is entertaining…and that’s ok! It is interesting to learn about the origin of songs we have been singing in churches for years. The book is easy to read, each chapter containing a song and a one page devotional. It is also nice that the hymns span such a large piece of history so that readers are introduced to various styles of songs and composers. I think the audience of this book is very specific, but I would definitely recommend it to those who love hymns, musician or not, and those who love church history.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

First Things First by Kurt & Brenda Warner

This book is a fun and honest look at what the Warner household is really like. Kurt and Brenda take turns discussing topics about their family that inspire and challenge readers, as well as correct misconceptions created by the media. They have built their marriage and family on “rules” that promote love and respect for themselves and others. It is evident from reading the book that Kurt and Brenda did not write it to feed the curiosity of Kurt Warner football fans, but rather to share their desire to leave a lasting legacy for their kids and anyone else their lives touch. They share the realism of their lives; their joys and struggles as people, not celebrities.

I particularly enjoyed the fact that this book was not just an autobiography; it was deeper than that. I enjoyed the honesty of the Warners as they shared their parenting tips, favorite moments with the kids, challenges of Kurt’s career and even marriage rules. It was a joy to meet the family and read how they are a normal family! The Warners share their hearts openly with the hope they will benefit other people and they do. I recommend the book for couples of all ages to be inspired and maybe learn something to incorporate into their family.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Jesus is Calling - 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young

This book is simple, yet relevant and attractive to young audiences. The author has written one devotional for each day of the year. Each are only a few paragraphs in length, with a key Bible verse relating to the topic for the day, as well as supplemental Bible reading for kids who want to go further in study. This devotional book is unique, because the author has written the devotions as though God is speaking directly to the reader.

I think this is a great book for elementary to pre-teen age kids who are starting out in developing a quiet time with God. The topics of the devotionals speak of things that children can relate to and it is written in a way that brings God’s Word into everyday life. I think the fact that God seems to be talking with reader helps establish the truth that Scripture is living and active, and that God is very much involved in the details of our lives. I also like the “Read on Your Own” suggested scriptures because it encourages kids to not stop at a one page devo, but to spend time learning and growing on their own. In addition to how valuable the content is, the cover is fun and trendy. I highly recommend!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

A Christmas Prayer by Amy Parker

A Christmas Prayer is an adorable children’s book that leads children in a sweet prayer modeled after the Christmas story of the Bible. The prayer draws attention away from the material aspects of Christmas, and turns children to the true Christmas Gift, Jesus. As children read the prayer, they can follow the small child in the book who sets up a nativity type scene piece by piece. The child uses toys and stuffed animals to create a precious display of Christ’s birth.

The illustrations, by Marijan Ramljak, are soft and precious. The book is attractive, with a padded cover and cardboard pages. And I love that the book both teaches children how to pray, while teaching them about Christ’s birth. While the style of book is perfect for toddlers, the prayer is something that even early elementary children would enjoy. I look forward to sharing this book with my niece and nephews!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Immanuel's Veins by Ted Dekker...and a GIVEAWAY!!

This book is a thrilling fiction novel that captivates readers with the passion of the story. It is a story with a basis of all things entertaining: suspense, action, romance, mystery. It is set in a time and place with a cast of characters that play upon the curiosity of the reader. Yet it is the unfolding story of love, betrayal and sacrifice that grips the heart of the reader more than anything. It is a complete illustration of the power of sacrificial love and redemption, not only within human relationships, but within our relationship with God, the true lover of our souls.

This book left me contemplating sacrificial love: the cost of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for me…just to be with Him. But I also thought about the call on my life to have a sacrificial love toward others. What is sacrificial love? What does it look like?

I believe it can be illustrated and demonstrated in many ways. The ultimate demonstration of sacrificial love was of course, Christ bearing all our sins on the cross, defeating death and hell so we can spend an eternity in God’s presence. The extent of His pain I know I cannot fathom. But even what I do understand I cannot imagine being able to have that type of sacrificial love without His power in my life. To love beyond my own desires, needs, pains…to love beyond betrayal…selfless and pure…this is sacrificial love. I fall short daily, but because of HIS redemption I can freely live and keep on trying.

Now it is your turn: What is sacrificial love to you?

As part of my review, the folks at Thomas Nelson Publishing have asked me to do a t-shirt giveaway. This is exciting because that means one of you will win this FREE t-shirt created especially for the release of Immanuel’s Veins!! I have one too (see photo). It is simple and artistic, featuring the words “Spread the Love”, something we should strive to do every day.

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is post a comment answering the question (what is sacrificial love?) by midnight on September 15, 2010. I will contact the winner and provide details for getting your free shirt. That’s it! Good luck!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.