This page is for books I receive from FirstLook
to read and review!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hunting
Hope
by
Nika
Maples
about
the book
Hope
is not an accident. Sometimes it has to be hunted, and hunting it
takes courage.
Hope hunters know how to excavate hope from hardship. There is dirt underneath their fingernails and sweat on their shirts. They rake through the rubble of an unwanted situation, digging into difficult circumstances because they have come to expect that adversity will produce good. They believe that light always triumphs over darkness. They have learned to walk through winter with their eyes on spring.
Nika Maples became a hope hunter after suffering a massive brainstem stroke that left her quadriplegic in her twenties. Doctors warned that she had as little as 48 hours to live, and-if she lived at all-she would never walk or talk again. There was no hope on the horizon. So Nika started to hunt for it. Today, she not only walks, but she speaks to audiences everywhere about the power of hunting hope when a situation appears hopeless. She says hope remains camouflaged in the daily mundane. If we are not looking for it, we will miss it, though it is right before our eyes.
Whether you or someone you know is going through a situation that feels hopeless, you will find encouragement in Hunting Hope. Whether you are experiencing a medical trauma, a financial hardship, or a relational crisis, you will find empowerment in Hunting Hope. As you read, you will cling to 20 truths about God's character and practice 5 daily disciplines that will develop your own character in crisis.
You will become a hope hunter.
Maybe it doesn't matter what causes suffering in our lives as much as it matters what suffering
Hope hunters know how to excavate hope from hardship. There is dirt underneath their fingernails and sweat on their shirts. They rake through the rubble of an unwanted situation, digging into difficult circumstances because they have come to expect that adversity will produce good. They believe that light always triumphs over darkness. They have learned to walk through winter with their eyes on spring.
Nika Maples became a hope hunter after suffering a massive brainstem stroke that left her quadriplegic in her twenties. Doctors warned that she had as little as 48 hours to live, and-if she lived at all-she would never walk or talk again. There was no hope on the horizon. So Nika started to hunt for it. Today, she not only walks, but she speaks to audiences everywhere about the power of hunting hope when a situation appears hopeless. She says hope remains camouflaged in the daily mundane. If we are not looking for it, we will miss it, though it is right before our eyes.
Whether you or someone you know is going through a situation that feels hopeless, you will find encouragement in Hunting Hope. Whether you are experiencing a medical trauma, a financial hardship, or a relational crisis, you will find empowerment in Hunting Hope. As you read, you will cling to 20 truths about God's character and practice 5 daily disciplines that will develop your own character in crisis.
You will become a hope hunter.
Maybe it doesn't matter what causes suffering in our lives as much as it matters what suffering
causes
in
our lives. Maybe we were all meant
to be hope hunters.
my
review
It
was written in a way that is easy to read...the font is good
size..The pages are just the right size too...not too long or too
short....just right to me anyway.
It's
not a new concept, but it is a true one. In a time of prosperity
gospel and inaction seeming best, this book is a welcome relief and
challenge to readers to be more, because God enables them to be able
to be more.
would
I recommend this book to anyone....yes, those who are struggling
through a trial or tribulation
about
the author
http://nikamaples.com/books/hunting-hope/
When
I was 20 years old, my plans for my life, career, family,
and future fell apart. One day I was an active sophomore in
college, the next I was quadriplegic in the Intensive Care Unit,
having suffered a massive brainstem stroke. I could not speak,
swallow, or blink. Because I could hear, I listened as doctors
warned my family that I had as little as 48 hours to live.
There was nothing for us to do but pray. My faith
sustained me in ways I can hardly explain, and a year later I
walked back onto my college campus on my own two feet.
Eventually,
I earned a B.S. in mass communication from Texas Wesleyan
University, along with a Texas teaching certificate in English in
2002. Then in 2010, I earned an M.A. in English education from
Teachers College, Columbia University. Currently, I am pursuing an
M.Div. at the King's University in Southlake, Texas. I taught
public high school and intermediate grade English for ten years. In
2007, the Texas Education Agency awarded me the distinguished honor
of Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year. Currently, I write and
speak full time, sharing messages of hope and endurance with
education, business, and church groups across the country. Almost
everyone walks away with a renewed sense of purpose. I write and
speak on hope and endurance because if there is one thing I
know, it is how to keep going.
All of
my communication -- books, posts, keynotes, and training's -- centers on practicing hope and endurance. I have learned that even
when a situation seems impossible, it is never too late. But in
order for someone to keep going, they need a steady supply of
encouragement. That is why this blog offers just that:
- Encouragement for education.
- Encouragement for every day.
- Encouragement for health and mobility.
- Encouragement for goal-setting.
- Encouragement for spiritual growth.
- Encouragement for writing.
No
matter what you are going through, you need encouragement.
You
will find plenty of it here.
Take
some for yourself, leave some for others.
And
then keep going.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sacred Intent: Maximize the Moments of Your Life
by
about
the book
Sacred
Intent is a devotional approach in contrast to a practical approach
to personal growth, leadership and influence based on Scripture.
Crowe challenges you to think, dream and lead. Structured around the
days of the week, you will learn: character-driven decision making;
ownership of biblical values; and a commitment to influence through
service. Topics include: a focused dream, time management, and inner
calling. This thought-provoking and visionary book will appeal to
young people and leaders burning to make a difference.
My
Review
I
got right into this book by just reading one and started marking the
passages that were written in it...The
sections are all one word titles and in each section there are
several chapters to fully open each concept. The seven sections are
entitled:
Monday: Influence
Tuesday: Time
Wednesday: Calling
Thursday: Engagement
Friday: Relationships
Saturday: Motivation
Sunday: Dreams
Brent uses stories from the Old and New Testament, from history, from his own personal life to show us the importance of all seven concepts and how they fit into the eternal plan God has for your life. God can and will use all these things in our lives to make our life shine for His Kingdom and His Glory.
This is a good book. It is focused on discipleship and missions to reach a lost world through all of the seven words above. Youth through the oldest among us can learn from this book. It is deeper devotional than others I have read. Brent digs into God's word throughout the book and shares his understanding . Read it and then pass it along to young people or college students or whoever wants to know God more deeply. Reread it! The cover is not much to look at... but the book has the potential to be used by God to ignite the church to reach out to the lost world around them. But never being put before the Bible.
Monday: Influence
Tuesday: Time
Wednesday: Calling
Thursday: Engagement
Friday: Relationships
Saturday: Motivation
Sunday: Dreams
Brent uses stories from the Old and New Testament, from history, from his own personal life to show us the importance of all seven concepts and how they fit into the eternal plan God has for your life. God can and will use all these things in our lives to make our life shine for His Kingdom and His Glory.
This is a good book. It is focused on discipleship and missions to reach a lost world through all of the seven words above. Youth through the oldest among us can learn from this book. It is deeper devotional than others I have read. Brent digs into God's word throughout the book and shares his understanding . Read it and then pass it along to young people or college students or whoever wants to know God more deeply. Reread it! The cover is not much to look at... but the book has the potential to be used by God to ignite the church to reach out to the lost world around them. But never being put before the Bible.
I
would recommend this book to ANYONE....
about
author
Brent
Crowe is a thought-provoking visionary and speaker who has a passion
to present the life changing message of the gospel. An emerging
spiritual and cultural leader, Brent uses humor and real life
situations to relate to people at the heart of their struggles. The
roles of husband, father, minister, evangelist, writer and leader
have allowed Brent to influence people from all walks of life
throughout his years in ministry.
Engaging issues such as leadership, culture, and change, Brent speaks to tens of thousands across the nation and abroad each year and is currently serving as Vice President for Student Leadership University, a program that has trained over one hundred and twenty thousand students to commit themselves to excellence.
He is also the author of Reimagine: What the World Would Look Like If God Got His Way and Chasing Elephants: Wrestling with the Gray Areas of Life. Additionally Brent co-authored with David Nasser, The Call: insights from those who have answered . . .practical advice for those who are about to and is the Associate Editor of IMPACT, The Student Leadership Bible and a contributing author to The Complete Evangelism Guidebook. His latest work, Sacred Intent, is scheduled to be released on October 13, 2015.
The desire of Brent's heart is to see people realize that they have been set apart to the gospel of God and thus, in turn, they must set their lives apart in an effort to capture every moment in worshipful service to Him.
Brent Crowe is currently serving as Vice President with Student Leadership University in Orlando, Florida. He is married to Christina and has three children, Gabriel, Charis and Mercy. He holds a Doctorate in Philosophy and two masters degrees, a Masters of Divinity in Evangelism and a Masters of Arts in Ethics, from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Engaging issues such as leadership, culture, and change, Brent speaks to tens of thousands across the nation and abroad each year and is currently serving as Vice President for Student Leadership University, a program that has trained over one hundred and twenty thousand students to commit themselves to excellence.
He is also the author of Reimagine: What the World Would Look Like If God Got His Way and Chasing Elephants: Wrestling with the Gray Areas of Life. Additionally Brent co-authored with David Nasser, The Call: insights from those who have answered . . .practical advice for those who are about to and is the Associate Editor of IMPACT, The Student Leadership Bible and a contributing author to The Complete Evangelism Guidebook. His latest work, Sacred Intent, is scheduled to be released on October 13, 2015.
The desire of Brent's heart is to see people realize that they have been set apart to the gospel of God and thus, in turn, they must set their lives apart in an effort to capture every moment in worshipful service to Him.
Brent Crowe is currently serving as Vice President with Student Leadership University in Orlando, Florida. He is married to Christina and has three children, Gabriel, Charis and Mercy. He holds a Doctorate in Philosophy and two masters degrees, a Masters of Divinity in Evangelism and a Masters of Arts in Ethics, from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Knit, Purl, Pray: 52 Devotions for the Creative Soul
by
Knit,
Purl, Pray is for the knitter who recognizes that when she is
creating something beautiful with yarn, it is also a way to be quiet
and reflect. The devotions make connections between knitting and all
manner of things from joy and service to boredom and confession.
These reflections help the reader think about the craft they love in
a new way and perhaps see their problems as something that can be
unraveled and reworked into something beautiful. Each new day is an
opportunity to create something new.
My
Review
I
am a crocheter and not a knitter... but I thought to myself since
they are similar in some ways I could probably change the words
knitting into crochet...well it did not really work that way...there
are many knitting tips in this devotional , so I could not really
change the knit to crochet. But, I could read the devotional and be
blessed...I enjoyed most of them and love to hear about knitting
ministries...but that part wasn't really a devotional.
I
would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys knitting!
About
Author
***************
Redeeming
Pleasure
by
Jeremy
Jerigan
About
the book
Pleasure.
We hear about it, we think about it, and we look for it. Constantly.
But why do so few of us ever seem to really experience it? Is it
possible to satisfy our deepest cravings for lasting satisfaction?
The answer is yes! But it might surprise you as to why. Author Jeremy
Jernigan takes readers back to the very beginning and to the root of
God's intention for pleasure. Through personal stories, practical
insights, and a depth of wisdom culled from thinkers both ancient and
modern, Jernigan reimagines pleasure and unmasks its deceptive
allure.
This
is a book that has the power to revolutionize the way you think and
beautifully transform the way you live. It is simply a MUST read!
Dr.
Gregory Boyd, author, Letters
From A Skeptic
I
grew up around Christians who never seemed to think pleasurable
things were from God or even okay to pursue...Redeeming
Pleasure will
help many believers live more pleasurable lives because pleasure and
joy come from God!
Tyler
Reagin, Executive Director, Catalyst
My
review
In
this "post modern" generation, the terms "seeking
pleasure" and "seeking God" are often considered to be
mutually exclusive. However, Jeremy takes the reader outside the box.
He addresses a number of issues that challenge the church of today.
Creation theology, homosexuality in the church, parenting,
entertainment, drugs, sex, among others.
The message contained within is man's pursuit of these things "of the flesh" demonstrates how we seek pleasure to fill various voids in life that are ultimately fulfilled only by the pleasure of a real relationship with Jesus Christ.
"Redeeming Pleasure" isn't necessarily a title that would jump into my hands from the shelf of my local Christian bookstore. However, Pastor Jernigan offers some compelling arguments across the range of topics. While Jeremy's theology is more liberal than my own, I still appreciate his zeal. This is a well-researched volume and fairly presented with strong scriptural support.
I'll end with this that Jeremy does use multiple stories, analogies and Scripture selections ( not always rightly used) to support his points.
In this regard, for those seeking a new view of the relationship between seeking pleasure and seeking God, I recommend this book to you..
The message contained within is man's pursuit of these things "of the flesh" demonstrates how we seek pleasure to fill various voids in life that are ultimately fulfilled only by the pleasure of a real relationship with Jesus Christ.
"Redeeming Pleasure" isn't necessarily a title that would jump into my hands from the shelf of my local Christian bookstore. However, Pastor Jernigan offers some compelling arguments across the range of topics. While Jeremy's theology is more liberal than my own, I still appreciate his zeal. This is a well-researched volume and fairly presented with strong scriptural support.
I'll end with this that Jeremy does use multiple stories, analogies and Scripture selections ( not always rightly used) to support his points.
In this regard, for those seeking a new view of the relationship between seeking pleasure and seeking God, I recommend this book to you..
About
the author
Jeremy
Jernigan
is an important and much needed refreshing voice today...Redeeming
Pleasure goes
after the search we all hold so dear and clearly points us to the
more fuller and expansive life Jesus promises...such an incredible
read!
Steve
Carter, Teaching Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
The
New Pilgrims
by
Joseph
Castleberry, Ed.D
About
the Book
Faith
in America is experiencing a powerful religious revival particularly
among Hispanic immigrants,offering an exciting opportunity for
spiritual renewal. The New Pilgrims compares today's Hispanic
immigrants to the very first religious immigrants of the sixteenth
century the Pilgrims of Massachusetts. Castleberry describes the
positive effect these immigrants are having, especially in terms of
moral and family values, as well as more conservative politics.
My Review
I
am not sure if I agree with this book or not...
There
a somethings I can see happening and other things not happening. My
experience with the Hispanic immigrants has not been very good.....I
see them not trying to learn to speak English,they abuse the rules in
housing by fitting as many people they can fit in one house,they
abuse the system by going on welfare and not trying to get off
it.....not good. Joseph
did make some points on the positive on immigrants and I am NOT
saying they are all the way I have seen and experienced. A note on
page 5 “This story deserves attention, and several authors have
focused on them”,repeats itself. I believe most Hispanics are
Catholics and worship Mary not Jesus, so to me that is not good. All
in all Joseph shared somethings that I did not know, and he is a god
writer but, I do not agree with some of his findings about this
subject.
I
would recommend this book to those who want to learn more about
immigrants but to be discerning.
About the Author
Dr.
Joseph Castleberry is President of Northwest University. He holds a
Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and a
Doctor of Education degree in International Educational Development
from Columbia University. During 20 years of missionary service in
Latin America, he spent three years as a university professor and
pastor in El Salvador, Central America, three years as Associate Dean
for Latin America at Global University in Texas, and five years as a
pastor, seminary dean, and community development leader in Ecuador.
Dr. Castleberry and his wife of 30 years, Kathleen, live in Kirkland,
Washington.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God
of the Big Bang:
How Modern Science Affirms the Creator
About
the Book
CAN
FAITH AND SCIENCE COEXIST?
Scientific evidence strongly suggests that our universe had a beginning: the "Big Bang." What does this mean for those who believe in God as Creator? In God of the Big Bang, astronaut, research scientist, and Christian Dr. Leslie Wickman explores our biggest heart-and-soul questions about how faith and science go together:
Scientific evidence strongly suggests that our universe had a beginning: the "Big Bang." What does this mean for those who believe in God as Creator? In God of the Big Bang, astronaut, research scientist, and Christian Dr. Leslie Wickman explores our biggest heart-and-soul questions about how faith and science go together:
- Can anyone ever really prove that God exists?
- How do we interpret genesis in light of the big bang?
- Are we alone in the universe, or could there be life on other planets?
- Why is the universe beautiful, orderly, and understandable?
- Does conflict between science and faith stem from incomplete knowledge or flawed interpretation?
- What is a Christian's responsibility toward the environment?
- Does Christianity make sense in light of logic, reason, and science?
In
this rich and faith-affirming book, Dr. Wickman interprets complex
scientific discoveries in ways we can understand, giving us a better
understanding of how Scripture, science, and creation fit together.
My
Review
Even
though this book is written by an actual rocket scientist, it is very
easy to understand to the reader without a Ph.D.
I
believe that "truth" exists and we can find it. I also
believe that all truth is God's truth, so seeking the truth will
never lead us away from God—but lead us to God .
She writes out the arguments for the existence of God, for a
beginning and a Creator in ways understandable without needing a
seminary degree. Dr. Wickman is a Godly gifted teacher and leads you
through the arguments with skill. This information is not watered
down either. If
you’re interested in a definitive answer to the Big Bang it is not
in this book. If you’re interested in some research into the
compatibility of faith and science, you will find it in this book. If
you’re not sure what you believe, you will probably be swayed to
the position involving theistic evolution. If you are already a
literal creationist, you will not be very impressed. But, I
liked the size of the print, it is very easy to read. It is also not
too long or drawn out to make the points that Leslie shares. All in
all I liked the book.
I
would recommend this book to anyone interested in God and science.
About
the Author
Former
Lockheed Martin corporate astronaut, rocket scientist, and engineer
on NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station
programs, Leslie Wickman, Ph.D., is currently
chair of Engineering
and Computer Science as well as director
of the Center for
Research in Science at Azusa Pacific University. Stanford
University-educated Wickman also works as a research scientist with
government think tanks on technical
and political aspects of
national aerospace and defense issues. She is an internationally
respected research scientist, engineering consultant, and
inspirational speaker. Leslie lives in Los Angeles, California.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Claudia Wife of
Pontius Pilate
By
Diana Wallis Taylor
ABOUT
THE BOOK
Claudia’s life did not start easily. The
illegitimate daughter of Julia, reviled and exiled daughter of Caesar Augustus,
Claudia spends her childhood in a guarded villa with her mother and
grandmother. When Tiberius, who hates Julia, takes the throne, Claudia is
wrenched away from her mother to be brought up in the palace in Rome. The young
woman is adrift–until she meets Lucius Pontius Pilate and becomes his wife.
When Pilate is appointed Prefect of the troublesome territory of Judea, Claudia
does what she has always done: she makes the best of it. But unrest is brewing
on the outskirts of the Roman Empire, and Claudia will soon find herself and
her beloved husband embroiled in controversy and rebellion. Might she find
peace and rest in the teaching of the mysterious Jewish Rabbi everyone seems to
be talking about?
Readers will be whisked through marbled
palaces, dusty marketplaces, and idyllic Italian villas as they follow the
unlikely path of a woman who warrants only a passing mention in one of the
Gospel accounts. Diana Wallis Taylor combines her impeccable research with her
flair for drama and romance to craft a tale worthy of legend.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I fell in LOVE with this book….which is the
first one I have read from this wonderful Author. I saw a post somewhere online
and went to her website and asked Diana if she would like me to read and review
them ...any or ALL of them…I realize not all can send books to everyone but I
was blessed by getting two of her AWESOME books!!! I know they are novels but
that is okay with me. I began reading Claudia, the wife of Pontius Pilate and
cold not stop…the vivid characters, people places and things came off the
page..I could see them in their beautiful clothes and surroundings….The way of
living and what they ate etc,etc,etc.
Then Jesus comes into their lives and things
change,,,,I REALLY enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait to read the next
one named , Journey to the Well
I thank GOD for you, Diana for allowing me to
read your heat filled books and pray GOD will continue to give you all the
words to write in many, many more…Gods Peace, In Jesus Name Amen
I would recommend not
only this book but all the books she has written to all who love to read about
history and how Jesus intertwines into their lives!!!
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
Recently
named “Writer of the Year” by the San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild, Diana
Wallis Taylor has been writing since the age of 12 when she sold her first poem
to a church newspaper. Her third novel, Mary Magdalene came out May 2012 and she recently
completed her fourth novel of Biblical Fiction for Revell, Claudia,
Wife of Pontius Pilate. She won first place in the San Diego Book
Awards for her short story, “Phipps and the Jay”; First place in Christian
Romance for her book Smoke Before the Wind.
First place in Christian Fiction for her manuscript, “House of the Forest”;
Second place last year for Martha all in the Reader’s Favorite Book
Review and Award Contest. Her collection of poetry, Wings
of the Wind came out
in 2006. Her writing contributions appear in various compilation books and
magazines. Diana wrote the words and melodies to an Easter cantata called
“Glorious” recently completed with her fellow collaborator, Carolyn Prentice,
who did the orchestration.
Diana
lives with her husband Frank in San Diego, California. Between them they have
six grown children and ten grandchildren. She enjoys speaking and sharing her
heart with women of all ages.
Please
visit Diana
to purchase her books please use the links below
Journey to the Well
By
Diana Wallis Taylor
About the book –
In the fourth chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus tells His surprised disciples that they must go through Samaria. Most Jews went out of their way to avoid that land because of animosity between the Jews and Samaritans. Though apprehensive, they didn’t question the Master, and after a long journey, they arrived at Jacob’s Well. Jesus stopped to rest of there while the disciples went into the town of Shechem to buy food. As he waited, a lone Samaritan woman came to draw water. Since Samaria had many springs, she could have gone to the local well. Instead she went a mile out of her way in the hottest part of the day to draw water. Who was she? Why did Jesus choose this woman as the first person to whom he would reveal himself as the Messiah? Was there more to her than we have supposed?
Journey to the Well is a compassionate and riveting portrayal of a woman who has historically been maligned. This surprisingly fresh look at the woman of Samaria reveals an inner strength and courage that helped her face the joys and heartbreaks that shaped her life. One by one, the pieces fall into place that draw her at last to Jacob’s Well, and a life-changing confrontation with Jesus
This is the one woman I can
really relate to in so many ways, where her lifestyle was before meeting Jesus.
I have been overly blessed by this book. I realize this is a novel and I know
Diana shared the Word of God throughout yet did not add or remove any words or
meanings or just to make it sound good. I enjoy the way Diana uses people from
the Bible and helps you to learn more about their lifestyles. The places they
lived, their clothing, how the cook and made their foods, how they traveled and
so much more. To me it does not take away for God’s Word but helps you to want
to read more of His Word.
I HIGLY recommend this book
for young woman and up!!!
I ask the Lord God to continue to write these books and use them all for His Glory!
Truly blessed by your books Diana Gods Peace
About Diana
Recently named “Writer of
the Year” by the San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild, Diana Wallis Taylor has
been writing since the age of 12 when she sold her first poem to a church
newspaper. Her third novel, Mary Magdalene came out May 2012 and she recently completed her fourth novel of
Biblical Fiction for Revell, Claudia, Wife of
Pontius Pilate. She won first place in the San Diego Book Awards for her short
story, “Phipps and the Jay”; First place in Christian Romance for her book Smoke Before the Wind. First place in Christian
Fiction for her manuscript, “House of the Forest”; Second place last year for Martha all in the Reader’s Favorite Book Review and Award Contest. Her
collection of poetry, Wings of the Wind came out in 2006. Her writing contributions appear in various
compilation books and magazines. Diana wrote the words and melodies to an
Easter cantata called “Glorious” recently completed with her fellow
collaborator, Carolyn Prentice, who did the orchestration.
Diana lives with her
husband Frank in San Diego, California. Between them they have six grown
children and ten grandchildren. She enjoys speaking and sharing her heart with
women of all ages.
Please visit her here diana wallis taylor
I was
blessed to receive this book from Diana in return for my honest review.
I
have not been paid by anyone
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