The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews

Life is such, that one needs some heart mending from time to time, thats what led me to choose this book.

A true story set in history, during the World War. A story of forgiveness. How can one forgive when one meets face to face with the one who hurt you? Its a story of a war-widowed American woman and an almost dead German soldier washed ashore. Their paths cross and their lies the story of the Heart Mender. The woman must choose whether she would save the life of this enemy soldier or let him die.

We all get hurt and sometimes our hearts carry the pain throughout our lives even if we don't want it to. This story is about the deeper hurts, those that are not easy to wipe away or that don't heal easy. If thats something you're dealing with, you might want to read this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

An Army of Ordinary People by Felicity Dale

Its great to read amazing Bible stories from the Bible. The parting of the Red Sea, God coming down and transforming ordinary people's lives. Miracles in the desert. Reading of healing in the New Testament and everything God wanted us to know about Him and His immense love toward His creation.

What makes this book a special read is that it brings Biblical stories to reality. Where God is applied to real life. Nothing is distant, far or ancient about the stories in "An Army of Ordinary People" by Felicity Dale, they're all contemporary. You could be a simple grocery store owner and then God comes into your life and your life begins to impact lives of people around you, just when you make contact with the living life of Jesus Christ Himself. We can picture that and soon you'll find yourself saying, "I can do that" or "This could be me!" This book can make you aware of God given potential in the life of a believer, who's just willing to follow God's directions no matter how mundane it sounds. Felicity carries us into a journey into the lives of these very ordinary people we meet day-to-day and perhaps would never imagine they could amount to anything, but they are being enabled by God as His agents to reach out to people right in their neighbourhood, some not even leaving the very compound and areas where they live. God is using them right where they are. Now I know, I can totally be a stay-at-home mom and still God can use me to impact people around me, right where I am.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book, in exchange for my unbiased review. I am not being paid for this review.

Why Am I Afraid?

Wouldn't you know, God is listening to my prayers. It can get scary when you put your heart out there in prayer and then when you've done saying "Let thy will be done!" you wish you could have held onto that 'free will' of yours a little while longer.

So why am I afraid? I am afraid because my prayer has been answered, the prayer which I did faithfully and diligently and sincerely prayed and it did make me free from being afraid of anything at all because I prayed knowing full well that my Living Lord Jesus is in control of my life. He has plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans for a hope and a future. Then why did I feel afraid. The prayer I am talking about is the one I prayed while writing my previous post.

The prayer was something like this...""Oh change me Lord Oh change me, forevermore, to shine for You, send me where I ought to be, not where I like to be. Bring people in my life, the ones I try to avoid for the sake of my comfort levels, the ones You want me to be with. Help me with Your guidance to do EXACTLY as You would have me do."
Amen."

In keeping with His faithfulness God sent toward me people that I must be with, the kind of people with whom I would have loved to kill time when I was unsaved by His unchanging grace. People who were like me, in my past. I was afraid- would they drag me down to where I came from? Those dirty jokes I laughed at, those discussions, those stuffs I was washed away from? I was afraid. I was so afraid that I desperately wanted to get attached to some Bible Study group which would meet 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day so I would not have time to spend with 'these people' God had brought into my life. I tried my best to make a way to attend the women's fellowship which meets at church every Wednesday, it was un-go-able. I thought I should go for a Saturday Bible Study that happens at my friend's home, well that happens once a month, un-go-able. What could I do with so many free days and evenings in my hands, I contemplated. Sure enough God says, I must invite them over for lunch or dinner! Yea I still haven't found courage in my heart to do so. I did invite my church friends to come but somehow they all rain-checked on me.

Hopefully I will courageously invite 'these people' the coming weekend and I know for sure they will come. In any case who am I to stand against the force of Love Himself, He who died for them too. Was I any better when someone opened their home and shared Jesus' love for me? Lets get uncomfortable, and bring comfort through Jesus into the lives of people who really need Him.

Are you willing to open doors to someone you wouldn't rather invite?

EDIT UPDATE: They are coming!! Here's the beginning of an adventure with God!

If I Could Ask God Anything Awesome Bible Answers for Curious Kids! By Kathryn Slattery

A review of "If I Could Ask God Anything - Awesome Bible Answers for Curious Kids!" By Kathryn Slattery
"If I Could Ask God Anything", is a book attempting to tackle the many questions a child learning about Jesus might ask. Believe you me, the book has a LOT of questions covered. There are simple ones like "What did Jesus wear?" and tougher ones, almost theological like "What is trinity?"

I liked the book, for the way in which Kathryn has tried to answer the questions as per its seriousness. Some questions I would have found a bit difficult in communicating with kids is explained with an example a child might have seen or experienced. I am talking of kids who are at least 5years and older.However, an adult could also use the book as a help book to answer the questions in an effective manner, when they're at a loss of words perhaps.

What I missed in the book, though non-essential I think, are pictures, as is prevalent in children's books.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Not a Casual Thing

^"24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." ²⁵In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." ²⁶For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." 1 Corinthians 11:24-26

I believe the Lord has been tugging at my heart to determine, how seriously I take my connection with Him. The books that have crossed my path these recent days have been turning the mirror onto me, to check who I see in the mirror. Bits of the old me, my hands, my head, my heart are still visible in the image in the mirror. I am not yet made transparent with Jesus, so that people around me will see Jesus in me. I am so translucent and in some places so opaque, you can see ugly bits of me in me, no wonder there is no real impact from my life on others. Just a camouflage of Christianity, nothing real that can cause people to want the change in me.

The above verse asks of me to remember Jesus' body that was bruised and battered for me and precious blood that was shed for me. What have I done with that? Nothing, at least nothing of much significance. What do I remember, with the remembrance of Him on the cross? At communion do I see the pretty soft white wafer and the sweet tasting grape juice? Is my Jesus still at the cross, helpless, dying or is the Jesus in me, changing lives of people around, in Words and in deeds.

"Oh change me Lord Oh change me, forevermore, to shine for You, send me where I ought to be, not where I like to be. Bring people in my life, the ones I try to avoid for the sake of my comfort levels, the ones You want me to be with. Help me with Your guidance to do EXACTLY as You would have me do."
Amen.

Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go By Lucille O'Neal

Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go By Lucille O'Neal, is an autobiography by Shaquille O'Neal's mother.

As is typical with autobiographies of famous personalities, I expected a rags to riches kind of a story and how 'events' changed their life. However with this book, Lucille shares her most inmost feelings, the errors she made and how she dealt with them in order to make sure her life would face upward and not down. I liked the easy to read presentation of the book and the conversational style of the writing. It almost felt like she was talking to me, in my head as I read. She makes the reader feel her emotions, the good, the bad, the ugly. It truly portrays her mental journey from mental welfare to mental health.That makes this book different from other autobiographies I have read which would be devoid of feelings.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos

Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos is an amazing book.

I almost did not order this book, but then I read the first chapter online and I wanted to read some more, wondering why would somebody chase Jesus and why would Jesus run?

Matt stars himself in this story where he confronts his imaginary Jesus, a Jesus he made up to suite his own needs and someone he could follow at his own comfort level. The journey reveals many more kinds of imaginary Jesuses, most of which are quite relevant with the kind of Christian lifestyle we are accustomed to in our times, absolutely unawares of the real Jesus from the Bible. I was shocked to find a few of my own imaginary ones in there. Matt's experience through this ordeal ends brilliantly with his meeting with the real Jesus.

I loved the pace at which the story goes, absolute page turner for me. Also, I am an avid C. S Lewis fan, hence I totally loved the concept behind the book. The book answered my curiosity, my questions and doubts regarding my own spiritual journey in an indirect but profound manner. I give it 2 thumbs up, if I had more you could add them too.

View the video release

Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book, in exchange for my unbiased review. I am not being paid for this review.

In Tears for Joshua

We just learned that one of our dear church member's lost their baby in a few hours after he was born. His name was Joshua.

I am absolutely I cannot understand or fathom or even begin to gauge the height nor depth of such a HUGE loss. A baby. Yet I am writing this in tears and prayers for the grieving family, that our Lord Jesus would comfort them in every possible way.

Do remember them in your prayers.

Strange Happenings

Hebrews 12:11
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Ever had a time, when God dealt a bit sternly with you when you thought you were just about getting to perfection? I went through that painful time of correction when my heart was turned inside out. Its like a grand looking Gucci bag turned inside out and its insides were filthy from spilled dried food. Bits of used tissue paper. Old, empty lipsticks. Old old receipts and many more unwanted stuff, just stuck to the bag. Obviously the bag needs a beating and probably a wash if it could stand it.

I am so grateful that God did not just get satisfied with a great outward look, but dealt with stuff inside, deep inside my heart, issues I had never known existed. It is difficult when you find out, there are 'issues' within your heart you never knew.

The best thing through this painful process was that my Lord Jesus was with me in it, every step of the way. Encouraging me with His precious Word and showing me my progress. Now that I am stepping on the other side, one step at a time, I can feel the difference. Definitely the process has brought me peace and righteousness, a very much needed fresh clean feeling.

The Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan

This is my first time reviewing a children's book. I have worked with kids(kindergarten) and at Sunday School and found that "The Flowering Cross" by Beth Ryan makes for a good read for kids.It also includes instructions on how to make your own flowering cross.

Beth tells the story of a little girl and how her simple faith and love, together with support from her Christ centered family, wins the heart of an old lonely neighbor. While the story continues you will come across verses for discussion called "Faith Imprint", where an adult(reading the book to a child) can share/discuss the Bible verse pertaining to the situation in the story. The illustrations are beautifully done too.

I liked the book for the fact that it not only tells a story, to entertain a child, but also encourages a child to understand that their simple faith can also be a powerful tool in winning hearts for Jesus and especially in bridging gaps that sometimes adults are unable to cross. I loved the idea of "Faith Imprints" mentioned on most pages of the book, as it guides the reader through suitable questions toward a practical living out of the Word of God.

This book would be great for children aged 5 and older, in helping them connect faith in Jesus Christ and their real life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Kaleidoscope" by Patsy Clairmont

"Kaleidoscope" as the name suggests, is a random yet beautiful collection of short insights on some prominent verses from the book of Proverbs, by Patsy Clairmont. This she brings to life, with examples from her everyday life experiences and her inescapable humor.

The book has a study guide kind of approach. Each chapter in the book is based on a verse from Proverbs which is beautifully explained through various examples from Patsy's experiences. She even makes it easy to understand some of life's tough situations in the light of Proverbs. At the end of the chapters there are questions which helps one connect, even more deeply with what has been laid out in the chapter. The chapters end with a few more quotations from the Bible, gathered from various other books of the Bible, for strength to uphold the lesson learned.

I loved the book for its short chapters, immediate impact/connection to life examples and appropriate choice of verses which helped me strengthen my thoughts on the topic. I found that I did not have to read the book in an orderly manner to reap the lessons from it. You could pick any chapter you'd like and still reap a bountiful and wonderful message from it. Patsy's language and examples are easy to connect with as they spell out stuff we've either experienced or are sure to have seen in someone else's life. The one thing I missed from the book was a richer experience from the study of the verses.

I must also add, if you’re looking for a serious one-on-one with studying the Word of God, this would not be it, however it would serve as a great book for a light personal study or for a group study.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”