Becoming Myself

Becoming Myself
Written by Stasi Eldredge
Published at David C. Cook

About the book

In Stasi Eldredge’s most vulnerable book yet, she writes frankly about her own struggles with self-worth, weight, and her past as she shows readers that change in their lives is possible.

Becoming Myself is for anyone who wonders if her life will ever change-if she will ever change. Eldredge teaches readers that God wants them to participate in their transformation as he completes his good work in them. She invites women to look at their pasts, especially their mothers, with honesty and mercy and to look toward their future with hope.

An exploration of a woman’s true self, Becoming Myself will help women understand their identity and learn more about the God who beckons them to come closer.

My Thoughts

I am no stranger of the books from the Eldredges.  So when I got the opportunity to review the latest book from Stasi Eldredge, I debated it because at first I didn’t think it would touch me.  But then I watched the video on the David C. Cook website and I was hooked.   I thought that I could glean some things from this book!   But I didn’t expect it to affect me so much.

As I read the first chapters, I started making notes on the side and underline the sentences that touched me.   I mean the chapters are very interesting but somehow God was speaking to me through the pages of this book.  Then I arrived to chapter four – our mothers, ourselves: part 1 – and then I lost my countenance...  I cried while reading.   I was so messed up that I had to put the book aside.   But I knew that the words I was reading were truth…. poking at me, pointing me to pursue healing on this specific issue.   Worst part is that after chapter four comes chapter five which is our mothers, ourselves: part 2.   Which means I am not done with the crying yet.   I know that I am on a journey of healing and discovering of who I am in God and this book is my next stepping stone toward healing.   The process was started back during the summer of 2012 and I am far from being completely healed.  

Stacy Eldredge is pouring her heart to the reader on the issue of becoming the person you are suppose to be in order to fulfill the dreams that God has for you.    You will read her own personal life experiences as well as her wisdom on specific subjects like accepting ourselves, fear, suffering, worship, faith and so on.    I am gleaning so much as I read this book that it is almost overwhelming at times – that’s the reason why I have to put the book aside from time to time so that I can decompress from the emotions and the hurt that is coming from deep inside me.

I seriously think that this book will be beneficial to all women from all levels of life.  Whether you are a young woman starting to spread her wings through life or a grand-mother loving her grandkids to pieces, this book is a jewel for you.   It will help you discover your true calling even if it get you through some strong emotions as you read it.   I believe in healing myself in order to be more effective for God.  This book is wonderful to explore the potential I have in me.   I strongly believe that all Christian women should read it.

Becoming Myself is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

Hardcover Edition

 

Paperback Edition 

 

Kindle Edition 

 

Audiobook Edition

   

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book for review purposes from David C. Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Courageous Living

Courageous Living – Dare to Take a Stand
Written by Michael Catt
Published at B&H

About the book

In the new film COURAGEOUS (from the makers of Fireproof), four police officers are confident and focused when it comes to facing danger on the job. But leading their families at home in a God-honoring way? That takes courage.
Because it is important to take a faithful, fearless stand in so many areas of life, pastor and COURAGEOUS executive producer Michael Catt offers Courageous Living as a closer look at biblical themes and characters that inspired the greatly anticipated movie.
Catt brings fresh insight to "stories of people in the Bible who displayed great courage when it would have been easier to play it safe... (who) challenge me to keep moving forward. They demand that I examine my priorities and deal with anything that brings fear to my heart."
Readers will catch a new wind of bravery in the bold accounts of Abraham ("The Courage to Get Going"), Nehemiah ("The Courage to Face Criticism"), and Ruth ("The Courage to Face an Uncertain Future"). There are also growth opportunities in the stirring stories of Moses, Elijah, Joshua, Daniel, Gideon, Nehemiah, Stephen, and Paul and Timothy.

Who is Michael Catt?

Michael Catt has served as senior pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, since 1989 and is executive producer of the popular Facing the Giants and Fireproof films that originated from the congregation. He is the author of Prepare for Rain, Fireproof Your Life, The Power of Desperation, The Power of Persistence, and The Power of Surrender and is also founder of the ReFRESH™ revival conference. Michael and his wife, Terri, have two children.

My Thoughts

Whether you are a man or a woman, this book is a must read for 2012!    Though the book was written as a a follow-up of the movie Courageous you don’t have to have seen the movie to enjoy the book.  How would I know?  Well simply because I have not watched to movie yet but I am enjoying the book quite a lot.   It is so good that I am planning to go through it again when 2012 comes around…

Courageous Living will guide you through stories of Bible characters who have been courageous in the midst of difficulties, criticism, uncertainty and much more.  

This book will encourage you to find the courage to get going, to choose and refuse, to lead on all levels, to be a humble hero, to face an uncertain future, to make up your mind, to face criticism, to stir up the fire, to face persecution…   In one of the chapters, the author is portraying the person as being either an eagle, a chicken, or an ostrich.    I really loved this picture and I am hoping that I am seen as an eagle who is teaching her eaglets to fly.   Yes I will push them out of the nest and will expect them to soar.    I am investing in them by homeschooling them.   I hope that they will be above and beyond their peers and demonstrate that they can be responsible when I am not there.

Through each chapter I am stirred inside to make a difference no matter what.   I have a tendency to worry about what other people say.   But this book is teaching me that if I am doing what God wants me to do, I shouldn’t worry about anything.  He is in control and He is with me.  I am not alone.  I particularly applauded when the author is encouraging the next generation to be leaders and to stand up for what must be done.    We are reminded again that the word teenager wasn’t existing until the 1941 when it appeared for the first time in the Reader’s Digest.   Before that kids would move directly from being children to manhood/womanhood.   Now don’t take me wrong.  My kids are not working all the time.  They have some downtime and play together.   But slowly we are teaching them to become independent and to be an active member in the family by helping out in the house.     Not only is it good for them but their future spouse will be blessed as well.

Now the book is a real motivator in encouraging you to take a stand on various aspects in your life.   It takes courage to stand up for justice, to be totally honest about something and to trust God with everything in your life.

Are you reading to be transformed?  If so, I strongly encourage you to read Courageous Living – Date to Take A Stand .   I would be a great book to go through with a small group after watching the movie Courageous. 

Courageous Living is available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

The Resolution for Men

The Resolution for Men
By Stephen and Alex Kendrick
Published at B&H

About the book

“A man cannot be passive about what Scripture tells him to do for his family and expect to be found faithful to God in the end. He must see with spiritual eyes and realize that future generations are directly impacted by his daily decisions.”
—The Resolution for Men

The Resolution for Men is the inspiring book born out of Courageous, a new film by the makers of Fireproof coming to theaters nationwide in fall 2011. The movie, which presents a powerful story of strong male leadership, is an emotionally charged wake-up call to fathers whose influence upon their children and society is immeasurable. The Resolution for Men follows to challenge men of all ages to become as bold and intentional about embracing their responsibilities as leaders of their homes, marriages, and children.

Written by Stephen and Alex Kendrick, screenwriters of Courageous and authors of New York Times No. 1 best seller The Love Dare (five million copies sold), The Resolution for Men strategically inspires men to reconcile with their past, re-engage in the present by taking full responsibility for their wives and children, and then move forward with a bold and clear resolution for the future. Written in partnership with the movie and Priscilla Shirer’s new book, The Resolution for Women, it is designed to inspire a revolution.

Who are Stephen and Alex Kendrick?

Stephen Kendrick is senior associate pastor of preaching and prayer at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. He is also a screenwriter and movie producer and co-wrote the New York Times No. 1 best seller, The Love Dare, with his brother, Alex. Stephen and his wife, Jill, have four children.

Alex Kendrick is associate media pastor at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, and coauthor of The Love Dare. He helped establish Sherwood Pictures in 2003 and has directed and co-written each of its films: Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof, playing the lead male role in those first two productions. Alex has appeared on ABC, CNN, FOX News, American Family Radio, The Glenn Beck Show, Janet Parshall's America, and many other national programs to discuss his award-winning work and ministry. He lives in Albany with his wife and five children.

My Thoughts

I originally asked my husband to read some of the chapters and give me his opinion on this book.  Unfortunately he is relatively busy with other things to have the time to do it.   So I decided to read some of this book myself to give me an idea of what the book is all about.

Now before I start giving you my opinion I must tell the ladies out there, that if you find this review interesting and you would like your husband to consider the book, please do let him read the review and consider it himself.  I recently learned that buying a book that will strengthen the marriage or a book that is suggesting how to be a better man/husband should not be considered for women.   Consequently, I would strongly suggest that you watch the Courageous movie together and let him decide if he wants to go forward in reading/applying the concepts in The Resolution for Men.

Now I have previously reviewed the women version of this book – The Resolution for Women.   This review is for the book geared for men.

The Resolution for Men will challenge the man in your life to step up to the leadership role he was originally designed for.  The book has two parts and a series of appendices that will  guide your man into becoming the husband/father God intended him to be.

Part one of the book is call to decide to become a man of resolution, to be a strong father as well as chain breaker.   The chain breaker itself is a jewel in the book as it explains the importance of breaking away from whatever is holding the guy off from becoming who is is suppose to be.   Part two of the book will guide him through each resolution – be a man of responsibility, lead your family, love your wife, live with honor, fight for justice, demonstrate love, provide for your family, reconcile with your past, live with integrity, be found faithful and leave a legacy.  The appendices will also provide more information on specific subjects like:

• How can I find peace with God?
• Six powerful influences you must guard in your children’s lives
• Ten potential consequences of a man who commits adultery
• Seven steps to better sex
• Resolution groups – accountability for men
• Scriptures to memorize with your children
• How to pray for your family
• Avoiding pornography
• Final speech from Courageous

Now I find myself blessed to have a man who is not the typical kind.   By that I mean that my husband is quite involved in the family and he leads us as God is guiding him to do it.   But as I read through this book, I realized that not all men are like him and that he is an exception to the rule.    I know that I am not alone in raising the children and that I can count on him to chip in with household chores if needed be.    Though he is not the man who won’t stand up I am sure that this book will also highlight things that he can grab and apply in his life.

So if you are a men reading this review and you feel like you want to become a better leader for your family, please seriously consider purchasing this book in 2012 and let God transform you in the man/husband/father He intended you to be.   You won’t regret it!

This is definitively a book I would recommend for a majority of men.  I pray that my boys will become strong leaders in their own family.   I will definitively make them read this book when they are older.

The Resolution for Men is available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

The Resolution for Women

The Resolution for Women
By Priscilla Shirer
Published at B&H

About the book

Written in partnership with Sherwood Pictures' upcoming film, COURAGEOUS, in The Resolution for Women, popular speaker and author Priscilla Shirer challenges all women to be intentional about embracing and thriving in God’s beautiful and eternal calling on their lives.
Like the men in the movie who resolve to fully accept their responsibilities before God, Shirer explains how today's women can and should live out their own resolution. It is "a defining banner that hangs over your life, written in the ink of your own choices." A woman's banner should be an accurate reflection of who she desires to be-someone completely Christ-centered who blesses and changes things in her world for the better.
The Resolution for Women inspires women with intentional, spirit-filled living from three unique angles. Section one, entitled, "This Is Who I Am," helps a woman define herself as "authentically me, purposefully feminine, surprisingly satisfied, and faithfully His." Section two, "This Is What I Have," invites her to value "my best, my blessing, my honor, and my heart." And Section three, "This Is What Matters To Me," focuses on joyfully honoring God as a wife, mother, and family member while resolving to live with the grace that leaves a godly legacy. The Resolution for Women is designed to inspire a revolution.

Who is Priscilla Shirer?

Priscilla Shirer is a Bible teacher and conference speaker with a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. She is also the author of popular books including A Jewel in His Crown, He Speaks to Me, Discerning the Voice of God, and One in a Million. The daughter of author Dr. Tony Evans, Priscilla is married to Jerry with whom she founded Going Beyond Ministries. They have three sons and live in Dallas, Texas.

My Thoughts

I will admit that I have not seen the movie Courageous at this point in time.  But I am looking forward to discover it as I am slowly reading the Resolution for Women.   

Starting in January, I am going to re-read the book at a much slower pace  - about one chapter a week – to take the time to apply what I am reading through its pages.    The book is divided in three main parts containing each a number of themes.

This is who I am section will teach you about the gift of contentment, how to become biblically feminine, how to value yourself and celebrate others as well as how to be devoted to Christ and be defined by His Word.

This is what I have section will guide you in seeing God’s priorities in your life, how to be available for others with your time, concern, and full attention, how to help others to get out of their prison of hurt and anger,  how to live with high standards of virtue and purity as well as how to care.

This is what matters to me section will provide insights on how to bless your man, how to train your kids in righteousness, how to make your home a welcoming place and how to live today with the future in mind.

Each chapter contains scriptures reference to help you discover what the Bible has to say about the subject in hand as well as thought provoking questions on the theme covered.  At the end of a theme, you will be encourage to re-read your answers to the questions asked as well as take a step of faith and proclaim the resolution to yourself.  It is strongly suggested that you proclaim it out loud and preferably in the presence of someone who can held me accountable.   You will also have to sign the resolution once you have grab it to yourself…   At the end of the book you can read through all the resolutions for Women in one glance. 

It is also possible to purchase a Resolution for Women that you can sign and hang on your walls for a reminder to stay true to the amazing woman God created you to be.

I am not perfect and I know it.  But having this book in my hands, I realize that I can change and become a better wife, mother, daughter, friend.    I am willing to start the process of a new me in 2012.   I strongly encourage others to consider getting the Resolution for Women and embark on a journey with me.  

The Resolution for Women is available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Truth and Dare Devotional

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

 

Ann-Margaret Hovsepian

and the book:

Truth and Dare Devotional

David C. Cook (October 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ann Margret Hovsepian is a published author, freelance writer and editor and amateur artist. She has published more than 210 articles for dozens of Canadian and U.S. print periodicals and has become a sought-after author of pre-teen girls’ devotional books. She has published Blossom: The Complete New Testament for Girls (Thomas Nelson, 2006) and The One Year Designer Genes Devo (Tyndale, 2007). She speaks at conferences and events and is actively involved on the board of Canadian Baptist Women of Ontario and Quebec, Canada. Hovsepian resides in Montreal, Canada.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Is your pre-teen daughter ready for more—more excitement, more adventure, more joy? Then dare her to discover the secret to a life that sparkles for God. Show her she’s got what it takes to make an impact on the world. Ann Margret Hovsepian’s newest book, Truth and Dare: One Year of Dynamic Devotions for Girls, is designed for girls 9 to 12 and filled with powerful wisdom on everything from godly friendships to worshipping God.

It can be easy for young girls to neglect their Bible reading. Perhaps they feel Scripture doesn’t directly relate to them. Maybe they may lack encouragement or accountability, or they may just have too many distractions in their everyday lives. This lack of spiritual food can stunt girls’ spiritual growth and make them vulnerable to the temptations and ungodly influences around them. It can also prevent them from developing a love for Scripture early in life, making it even harder to get into God’s Word when they get older.

Truth and Dare encourages tween girls to discover how exciting God’s Word can be. They will see it make a difference in their daily lives and experience the blessings that come from doing it and not just hearing it. Daily challenges (dares) based on Scripture (truth) will provide opportunities for them to make their faith come alive as they learn to serve others, build character and make a difference.

Scripture will be transformed from something learned to something lived. Girls will delight in discovering how God’s Word can become real in whole new ways as they learn to apply it with each day’s dare. It ideally suits anyone looking to inspire a young girl to boldly live out her faith. So encourage the tween girl in your life to take the dare and discover the truth! It’s her time to shine as a girl who knows what it means to live a fierce and fearless life of faith.





Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Reading level: Ages 9 and up
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook (October 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1434702081
ISBN-13: 978-1434702081

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER (To enlarge, click on the images):

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER

My daughter is too young for this book but nevertheless I jumped on the opportunity of reviewing this book since I was also reviewing the boy edition as well.  The conception and organization of Truth & Dare is similar to the one of Triple Dog Dare this time it is speaking to girls ages 9 to 12 years old.

The book is designed to be done one a day during the week-day and once during the week-end.    The daily devotions will help your daughter grow their faith during a season where you wonder about the changes coming your way.  

The devotions start with a scripture reference that your daughter will read before jumping into the Truth section.  The Truth section contains a small devotion that will strengthen the scripture reading and teach your daughter how to be strong in the Lord.  The Dare section will challenge her to develop disciplines as well as stretch her comfort zone while she follows God.   Finally at the bottom of the page she has a journaling section where she can scribble her thoughts about what she learned during the devotion.

At the end of the week, she can use the two-pages week-end section to deepen her experience.  It could be answering a little quizz, read more scriptures, reflect on lessons learned and so on.   She also has suggestions if she has more time to do things as well as a journaling section.   

I find that the age group for which this book is geared for is perfect to develop the spiritual discipline of using a devotion as well as journaling.   The cover of the book is fabulous with sparkles all over it and illustrations that represent girls in general.

To be honest, I would suggest anyone who has a girl in this age range to seriously consider to purchase this devotional book for her to give at Christmas time.  It would be a good habit to start for 2012 and to grow in her faith.

Truth & Dare – one year of dynamic devotions for girls is available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Triple Dog Dare

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Jeremy Jones

and the book:

Triple Dog Dare Devotional

David C. Cook (October 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jeremy V. Jones is an award-winning journalist who has served as senior associate editor of Breakaway magazine. He has authored several books, including Toward the Goal: The Kaka Story and The Keeper: The Tim Hoard Story. He also writes for magazines such as Clubhouse and Christianity Today. He resides with his wife and two children in Colorado.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Boys want action. They don’t want to sit around and talk—that’s for grown-ups and girls. They engage life and relationships by doing something: skateboarding, playing games or re-creating favorite movie scenes. So why should faith be any different? That’s why Jeremy V. Jones created Triple Dog Dare: One Year of Dynamic Devotions for Boys—to provide the action boys need in order to grow their faith.

The Bible is full of action. Remember how David slew Goliath, Daniel faced those lions, Paul survived a shipwreck and Jesus stood up for a woman about to be killed? God made boys to take His truth and do something with it, to man up and change the world. These action-packed devotions for boys ages 9 to 12 are filled with godly truth and bold spiritual challenges that transform time with God into the adventure of the day.

Triple Dog Dare connects God’s Word to boys’ hearts and hands with real-life scenarios and activities. Each day is filled with short Scriptures, concise biblical truth and a daily dare, all challenging them to put their faith into practice. Scripture readings from every book of the Bible open up the action-packed Word of God. Whether it’s drawing comic strips of biblical battles, dreaming up a life list of goals, making snack packs for the homeless or producing Bible-based movies, boys will go on daily dynamic experiences with God, taking faith off the page and setting it into motion. Themes cover the daily realities of pre-teen males, including bullying, peer pressure, girls, sibling rivalry, honesty and more.

These exciting devotions will inspire boys’ hearts toward godly characteristics such as integrity, generosity and kindness. Parents will appreciate watching Christ-like traits emerge as each dare is undertaken. It is a manual that will deepen boys’ friendships with Jesus as they look forward to spending time with Him every day. So if you know a boy who is up for the challenge, triple dog dare him!




Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Reading level: Ages 9 and up
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook (October 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0781404576
ISBN-13: 978-0781404570

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER (Click on images to enlarge):

My Thoughts

As soon as I received this devotional for boys and I opened it to look in it, I knew that it was something my oldest son would enjoy.  

Each devotion has a scripture reference that the child has to read before starting.   Then in the TRUTH section, the author emphasize the lesson that needs to be learned.   A little devotion is located on the left side of the page while the right side of the devotion contains some TRIPLE DOG DARE actions that the boy can do.   Then in the MISSION ACCOMPLISHED section, a question is asked for the child to answer to see what he has done in the TRIPLE DOG DARE.

Once a week is completed, the boy will go through a Triple Dog Tracks section where he has to ponder on what he has learned during the week.  Usually this section is done over the week-end.     Finally the child has a challenge to do – it could be writing about goals, drawing, reflecting and responding to questions based on scriptures and so on.

My son has started his devotion on a daily basis with this book and he loves it.   He is 10 years old.  Though he wanted to wait to start in January, we told him it didn’t matter when you start it if you do it every day.   So far it is going well.   He is dedicated in doing it early in the morning after he has read his Bible.  

Triple Dog Dare contains one year of DYNAMIC devotions for boys.   It is well written and the presentation of the book is attractive for the child.   

If there was one thing I would suggest for Christian parents this year to include under the tree for the boy who is between the ages of 9 and 12, it would be to purchase the Triple Dog Dare devotions.    It will be a good habit for your son to have throughout 2012.

Triple Dog Dare is available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Live Reflectively and Live Abundantly

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card authors are:

Lenya Heitzig
and
Penny Rose

and the books:

Live Reflectively: Lessons from the Watershed Moments of Moses

David C. Cook (November 1, 2011)

and

Live Abundantly: A Study in the Book of Ephesians

David C. Cook; 2 edition (November 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lenya Heitzig is an award-winning author and popular Bible teacher. She and her husband founded Calvary Church of Albuquerque—one of the fastest-growing churches worldwide. She is the author of Holy Moments: Recognizing God’s Fingerprints on Your Life and also contributed to the best-selling New Women’s Devotional Bible. Heitzig serves as Executive Director of She Ministries of Albuquerque, overseeing weekly Bible studies and yearly retreats. She and her husband Skip live in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Penny Rose is the award-winning author of numerous books. Penny thrives on teaching at conferences and retreats nationwide. She lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her husband, Kerry, a pastor at Calvary of Albuquerque.

Visit the authors' website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

The Fresh Life series was created for women who crave a profound experience of God’s Word without an overwhelming time commitment. Bible teachers Lenya Heitzig and Penny Rose challenge readers to dig deep into Scripture by using a directed study method that only requires twenty minutes a day. With a fresh approach to studying Scripture that gives newcomers as well as seasoned students deep insight into God’s Word, the latest two additions in the series explore the life of Moses and the riches in the book of Ephesians.

Live Reflectively: Lessons from the Watershed Moments of Moses (Heitzig) is an engaging Bible study on the life of Moses. He was saved from death on the Nile and raised as an Egyptian prince. He met his wife at a Midianite well, witnessed the birth of a nation as the Red Sea parted and watched water gush from a rock with one touch of his rod. He died overlooking the Jordan River. Through viewing the water moments of Moses’ life, readers will be encouraged to consider the moments in their own lives that shape who they are and who they are becoming.

Live Abundantly: A Study in the Book of Ephesians (Heitzig and Rose) challenges readers to dig deep into the book of Ephesians to find the spiritual treasure God has for them. The book of Ephesians is God’s “last will and testament” that bequeaths his spiritual treasures to His beloved children. Covering topics such as living in God’s will and receiving peace no matter the circumstances, it reveals the magnitude of every Christian’s inheritance—a gift “exceedingly abundantly above” what you could ever ask for.

The Fresh Life series teaches readers to:
· Lift up...a prayer
· Look at…God’s Word (answering questions concerning what the passage says)
· Learn about…what the passage means (sidebars define words and profice background information)
· Live out…what they have learned (personalizing the text and learning how it can impact their daily life)
· Listen to…quotes from well-known figures to build on the truths uncovered in Scripture

Readers will develop a deeper intimacy with the Lord and walk away feeling inspired to move forward in their walks of faith. Live Abundantly and Live Reflectively continue the rich biblical tradition of the Fresh Life series. They offer wisdom that will leave readers encouraged in their present situations and hopeful for the spiritual journey ahead.

Product Details:

Live Reflectively: Lessons from the Watershed Moments of Moses

List Price: $17.99
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0781405939
ISBN-13: 978-0781405935

Product Details:

Live Abundantly: A Study in the Book of Ephesians

List Price: $17.99
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook; 2 edition (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1434703304
ISBN-13: 978-1434703309

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER (Click on images to expand):


Live Reflectively: Lessons from the Watershed Moments of Moses

Live Abundantly: A Study in the Book of Ephesians (Click on images to expand)

My Thoughts

When I received these books, I skimmed through them to see how they were.   Would they interest me?  

I was surprised and pleased to discover that each lesson is created to fit a five days schedule and to see that you can learn through the week.   Now all I had to do was to decide which one to start to experience the bible studies.   I chose to start with Live Reflectively – Lessons from the Watersheed Moments of Moses. 

Each lesson starts with an introduction and then goes on with each bible study day.    Through the week I have completed, I have learned quite a bit on the early years of Moses and got some insights on different things that we might not realized because we know the story by heart.    Each study day starts it a Lift Up which is a prayer to ask God to be with us during our time in this book.   Then the Look At will give a small introduction to the study we will do during the 20 minutes needed to complete.  After reading the scriptures which are included in the pages you will have to answer what I would call “Comprehension” questions.  Also on the side, you can read more detailed information on specific name like for example what a name mean for Hebrews.    The Live Out section will help you to reflect on your life and dig more into the Bible to discover other situations similar than what you have read in the previous section.   At the end of the study time, you can read in the Listen To some thoughts from known people about God.    One of my favorite ones so far is:

We have a God who delights in impossibilities.   Billy Sunday

I am pleased with this Bible Study and look forward to learn more about Moses.    I am so impressed with these that I would not hesitate to recommend them to others.  I personally will check out the other titles from this Fresh Life series in the future. 

Live Reflectively and Live Abundantly are available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.