I Like Giving by Brad Formsma (Review)

I Like Giving

by Brad Formsma

(I received this book for review purposes.) 

Genre- Christian Living

Published by- WaterBrook Press

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 214

Age Group- Adult and Teen

Description of book- hardback, list price $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-60142-575-1

Do you like to give or is something always holding you back?  I like Giving, by Brad Formsma is all about the way to give without regrets. 

This book contains advice on what and how to give.  It also contains many stories from others about why they give and how it makes them feel.  Formsma has even included stories from his children and how it made them feel to give generously.  It even includes scientific research which shows that giving is a very healthy thing to do.

Giving does not mean just giving away more things.  It can be giving time, listening, or just your presence. 

About the author- Brad Formsma currently lives in Michigan with his wife and children.  He is the founder of ilikegiving.com, which has been viewed in over 165 countries.

My thoughts- I thought I Like Giving, by Brad Formsma was interesting.  I liked all of the stories, but there wasn’t enough advice for me.

I always have the fear that if I give monetarily then I won’t be able to provide for my own family and Formsma did not include anything that would alleviate those fears.  I did like how easy the book was to read, but it needed to include summaries of each chapter and questions that would help me to gather my thoughts.  Those two things may have helped me glean more information from this book.

This book would be good for all ages, especially since it includes stories of Formsma’s children living a generous life.  I plan on reading and discussing the book with my ten-year-old and eight-year-old.  I want to see a bigger spirit of generosity in them.  This book might be able to do that.

I think that families can gain a lot from reading this book together.  Please read it and share what you think.

Resources-

• Book Trailer
• Website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• More Info
• Read Chapter One
• Author Bio

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received I Like Giving, by Brad Formsma, for free from the WaterBrook Multnomah “Blogging For Books” 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.

Memorial: The Mystery of Mary of Bethany by Dolores Kimball (Review)

Memorial: The Mystery of Mary of Bethany

By Dolores Kimball

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion /Christian / Nonfiction / Bible / Women’s Studies

Published by- EP Books

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 120

Age Group- Adult (Women mostly)

Description of Book- paperback, ISBN 978-0852349632, $10.99

Who is Mary of Bethany?  Dolores Kimball explores the mystery in her latest book, Memorial: The Mystery of Mary of Bethany. 

Mary of Bethany along with her sister, Martha, and brother, Lazarus, were friends of Jesus.  Their story is mentioned in the gospels and Mary is specifically mentioned in Matthew 26:13 and Mark 14:9.  Kimball writes in the introduction, “For years I’ve pondered the words of Jesus spoken as Mary anointed him for his burial: ‘Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.’”  This is the basis for her look at a woman who was totally committed to a life with God.

About the Author- Dolores Kimball is currently a freelance writer and editor.  She has worked with Focus on the Family, David C. Cook, and Compassion International.

My thoughts- I have never thought much about Mary of Bethany, but I know much more about her now that I have read Memorial: The Mystery of Mary of Bethany, by Dolores Kimball. 

I never knew that Mary had anointed Jesus for His burial and that what she had done would be told as a memorial to her.  What a powerful testament to her commitment to Jesus.  She was definitely dedicated to him and his teachings.  I am glad that Kimball wrote a book dedicated to Mary. 

Since there are several women named Mary in the Bible, I was glad to read about the different women and how this Mary was not the others.  As women we need to learn and become like Mary.  Women filled with faith, spiritual understanding, and a quiet spirit.

Nonfiction books are always best when they include questions at the end of each chapter, especially when they can be used as Bible studies.  I wish that this book had those questions.

This was an interesting book.  I think that women should read this book and learn about Mary of Bethany.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Memorial: The Mystery of Mary of Bethany, by Dolores Kimball, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

Bible Revival by Kenneth Berding (Review)

Bible Revival

Recommitting Ourselves to One Book

By Kenneth Berding

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion /Christian Life / Personal Growth

Published by- Weaver Book Company

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 128

Age Group- Adults and older teens

Description of Book- paperback, ISBN 978-0-9891671-3-0, $12.99

Bible Revival, by Kenneth Berding, was written to help Christians with how to read and stay involved with the Bible.  This book includes many of the distractions that prevent us from being highly involved with the Word and the solutions. 

This book begins with a preface which discusses what the book will about.  Each chapter has a similar layout with a discussion of how things are, then it continues with what it could be and how to do it (“digging deeper”).  Each chapter ends with thought provoking questions.  There is also an appendix at the end of the book that will help the reader learn the best way to memorize the Bible.

Here is a link from Shaun Tabatt.  It is episode 96 of Author Talks which features his discussion with Ken Berding on Bible Revival.  http://BibleGeekGoneWild.com/096.

About the Author- Kenneth Berding is an author, co-editor, and a professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.

My thoughts- As Christians we know it is important to be in the Word, but are we?  I know I do not read and study the Bible as much as I should.  Bible Revival, by Kenneth Berding taught me that it is important to read the Bible every day and how I should implement it into my daily life.

One of my favorite parts of this book was the questions at the end of each chapter.  I always enjoy reading and answering the questions.  They help me to grow closer to God.  This book had excellent questions and helped me understand how and why to read the Bible.

I really enjoyed all of this book.  It was about valuing, understanding, learning, applying, obeying, and speaking the Word.  All of these subjects showed me the importance and need for reviving reading and understanding the Bible.

This is an important book that everyone needs to read.  Please get a copy and study it today.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Bible Revival: Recommitting Ourselves to One Book, by Kenneth Berding, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

Gospel Assurance & Warnings by Paul Washer (Review)

Gospel Assurance & Warnings

Recovering the Gospel (series)

By Paul Washer

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion /Christian Theology / Soteriology

Published by- Reformation Heritage Books

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 252

Age Group- Adults

Description of book- paperback (ISBN: 978-1-60178-294-6, $20.00)

Gospel Assurance & Warnings, by Paul Washer, is filled with important information about the gospel and what we need to do to have a true conversion to Christianity.   As Christians we need to know what the Bible says about being a Christian, too many of us are depending upon others to tell us what and how to be Christians.

This book has two parts, “Biblical Assurance” and “Gospel Warnings, or Warnings to Empty Confessors.”  Some of the chapter titles are:

• “Examining Yourself”
• “Imitating Christ”
• “Rejecting the World”
• “Believing in Jesus
• “The Narrow Way”

About the Author- Paul currently works with the HeartCry Missionary Society which supports Peruvian church planters.  He is married and has three children. 

My thoughts-  I have not read any of the other books in the Recovering the Gospel series.  I am very glad to have read Gospel Assurance & Warnings, by Paul Washer.

I learned about specific Biblical assurances and the warnings that are given to people who confess to be Christians, but are not.  I really think that this is a book that many people need to read and study.  If we say we are Christians, then we need to make sure we are acting and being the Christians that God wants us to be.

I am not sure who the best readers would be for this book, because it is technical, but I know that everyone needs to read it.  It would have been nice if there had been questions at the end of each chapter or some type of study guide, that would have helped me to summarize and understand all of the information I read.

I really enjoyed this book and I think you will too.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Gospel Assurance and Warnings, by Paul Washer, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

The Third Day: The Gospel of Luke Chapters 22-24 by Alex Webb-Peploe (Review)

The Third Day:

The Gospel of Luke Chapters 22-24

By Alex Webb-Peploe

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Graphic Novel

Published by- The Good Book Company

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 48

Age Group- Teens and Young Adults

Description of book- paperback (ISBN: 978-1-90991-955-6, $6.99)

The Third Day, by Alex Webb-Peploe, is taken from the Gospel of Luke and shows Jesus’s last days on this earth.  The text is taken straight from the Bible and the illustrations are dark and provoking (not for younger children).  This book can be used as an introduction to the Bible by those who prefer reading graphic novels. 

About the Illustrator-  Alex Webb-Peploe is a web designer and illustrator.  He currently lives in Cheltenham with his family. 

My thoughts- The Third Day, by Alex Webb-Peploe, was very well done.  Usually I am not a big fan of graphic novels, but I liked reading this one.

The only thing I would change would be the addition of Judas’s death.  It actively involved him, so it only makes sense to include his demise.

André Parker and Webb-Peploe did an excellent job drawing and designing the characters and panels.  Everything was well drawn and I could easily which character was which.  It was a good thing that each character wore the same thing in the panels, or I would not have been able to tell them apart since they looked so similar.

This graphic novel was a good rendition of the Gospel of Luke 22-24.  If you like to read graphic novels, then you will really enjoy this one.  If you don’t like reading them, this might be a good introduction for you.  I thought it was really good and I recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Third Day: The Gospel of Luke Chapters 22-24, by Alex Webb-Peploe, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

Numb by John W. Otte (Review)

Numb

by John W. Otte

(I received this book for review purposes.)

 

Genre- Science Fiction

Publisher- Marcher Lord Press

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 404

Age Group- Older Teen and Adult

Description of book- Paperback, $15.99, ISBN: 978-1-935929-99-4

Isolda Westin is Crusader’s latest target and he is an assassin for the Ministrix.  He is unable to feel emotion or pain, which makes him the best person for the job.  Something changes for him from the first moment he sees her photo, he experiences panic.  He realizes as soon as he sees Isolda that he will never be able to kill her.  He does not know what to do, so he befriends her. 

Will he be able to keep her safe from Ministrix’s other assassins?  Will they be able to learn why it is so important that Isolda should be killed?

My thoughts:

When I first began reading Numb, by John W. Otte, I was not sure what to think.  I thought I was not going to like it, but the more I read the book, the more I liked it.  I was sad when I finished the book.  I was really caught up in the lives of the characters.  I hope there are more books written with Crusader, Isolda, and the others.

I thought it was interesting that there were different types of religious groups who thought they were right and everybody else was wrong.  There were the Ministrix, Praesidium, and the people who lived at the Catacombs.  I saw a lot of similarities to religious groups of our world.  It was a revelation to me as how a group can always think that they are right and the best.

I think that many people would enjoy reading Numb.  It is not a book that only science fiction readers would enjoy.  Please pick up a copy today.

Informational and Purchasing Links:

Numb -  http://www.amazon.com/Numb-John-W-Otte/dp/1935929992/
Author Website - http://johnwotte.com/

Participants’ links:

• Julie Bihn
• Jennifer Bogart
• Keanan Brand
• Beckie Burnham
• Pauline Creeden
• Vicky DealSharingAunt
• Carol Gehringer
• Victor Gentile
• Rebekah Gyger
• Nikole Hahn
• Jason Joyner
• Carol Keen
• Emileigh Latham
• Rebekah Loper
• Jennette Mbewe
• Amber McCallister
• Shannon McDermott
• Shannon McNear
• Meagan @ Blooming with Books
• Rebecca LuElla Miller
• Joan Nienhuis
• Nissa
• Faye Oygard
• Nathan Reimer
• Jojo Sutis
• Rachel Starr Thomson
• Steve Trower
• Shane Werlinger
• Phyllis Wheeler
• Nicole White

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Numb, by John W. Otte, to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of CSFF Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.

Guiltless Living by Ginger Hubbard (Review)

Guiltless Living:

Confessions of a Serial Sinner Captured by the Grace of God

By Ginger Hubbard

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian Life

Published by- Shepherd Press

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 120

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback (ISBN: 978-1-936908-639, $12.99)

In Guiltless Living, by Ginger Hubbard, you will learn that you are a sinner saved by grace.  The grace will give you the freedom you need to live in Christ.

Each chapter begins with a narrative of Hubbard’s sin, like selfishness, then continues with God’s grace, in this case, serving.  There is a conclusion at the end of the book that serves for hope.  The chapter questions are also there.

She discusses seven types of serial sinners:

• Critical
• Proud
• Controlling
• Impatient
• Miserly
• Selfish
• Religious 

About the Author-

Ginger Hubbard has written two other books and is a speaker at women’s events and parenting conferences.  She is the founder of Preparing the Way Ministries.  Her website is www.gingerhubbard.com. 

 

 

 

 

My thoughts-  Guiltless Living, by Ginger Hubbard, is a gem.  It took a lot of courage for her to show her sins to the public.  It was because of her honesty and the depth of her confessions that I was able to discover sins I didn’t know I had.

I was very glad to read the sections after her confessions which related to the sin, like impatience to the patient grace of God.  It showed me hope and knowledge about what I can do to change.  I do not want to be the person that I was.

The one thing I would change about this books is that all the chapter questions are at the end of the book.  I find it much easier to have the questions at the end of each chapter, so I don’t have to flip back-and-forth so much.

Hubbard is a wonderful author.  I hope I am able to find her other books to read.

I highly recommend Guiltless Living.  We all need to learn how we are sinners saved by grace.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Guiltless Living: Confessions of a Serial Sinner Captured by the Grace of God, by Ginger Hubbard, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.