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.

Choose Justice

Choose Justice – A Daily Lifestyle

Available at World Vision Canada

About the product

Most of us are aware that we have a  role to play in making our world a more just and equitable place, but we’re not sure where to start. In Choose Justice, participants will discover that they are not alone on the journey to justice. God loves justice too and longs for His people to follow Him in bringing restoration to our world and to those who have been left on the margins of society. Choosing justice a daily basis—at the mall, at the table, in our celebrations—will change our lives, the lives of those around us and the lives of people we may never meet. With Christ, we can participate in building a better world through the many choices we make every day.

FEATURES:

• Six video sessions featuring Tony Campolo and Shane Claiborne in casual conversation
• 40 page Conversation Guide suitable for personal or group study
• Interior placeholder to include a personalized note from your church or denomination

The hosts

Shane Claiborne

From working alongside Mother Teresa in Calcutta to founding The Simple Way in inner city Philadelphia, Shane Claiborne is a bestselling author, renowned activist, sought-after speaker, and self-proclaimed “recovering sinner.”

Tony Campolo

Named by Christianity Today as one of the 25 most influential preachers of the last 50 years, Tony Campolo is a sociologist, pastor, author of more than 38 books, social commentator, and sought after speaker.

My Thoughts

I recently picked up the Choose Justice DVD in order to proceed with my review and while reading the back of the package I saw that it was touching various part of someone life: lifestyle, at the table, at the party, at the mall, at the bank, in community.   They I stopped myself… because I recognize three of these subjects from the discussions I had with my oldest son who was now attending youth group.  He would share what they had talked during their Tuesday evening meetings and had mentioned that the Justice theme would go on for six weeks.  Six weeks…. mmmm!  This DVD had six sessions.   Could it be a coincidence?   As I walked toward the kitchen where I knew I would find him, I knew what would be his answer.   After all, he had mentioned about justice at the table, justice at the mall and just the day before the youth had done a canning drive in the neighborhood of the church as an activity for the justice in the community.   So hiding the DVD package, I asked him innocently if there was by any chance that they watched a DVD during their six weeks on Justice.  His quick eyes had seen part of the cover and he says “It looks like the guys we watched.”   I showed him the DVD package and he affirmatively told me that it was the same thing that they had just completed.   Interesting.

He told me that the sessions were interesting and thought provoking.  But I didn’t want to write this review based on his thoughts only.  So I decided to watch some of the sessions.

For the get go, the two hosts is strongly encouraging people to   think about if we are living a lifestyle that Jesus wants us to live.   I really like it when Tony Campolo is mentioning that if you can share what you have with another believer who is struggling.   The hosts are also encouraging people to get out of debt in order to be able to live more freely.

The package also contains a conversation guide that is based on the sessions on the DVD.  Each session starts with a discover – i.e. watch the session on the DVD.   Then you can expand with the Discuss in order to discuss with your group about what you have seen and the Decide part which will encourage your to Choose Justice Daily.   Finally, the session is close with a prayer that you can use to encourage everyone to stand up for justice in their daily lives.

One of the sessions that really touched my son while attending youth was the Justice at the Table.  He couldn’t believe how much waste there was from daily lives.   In our home, we try to use as much of the fruit or vegetable as we can.   We own a Vitamix that we use to purée the parts of a fruit or a vegetable that most people would throw out.    My husband is a great encourager on this specific issue.     I also watched this session and  I was strongly encouraged to explore gardening in our backyard.  I have been interested in doing so for quite some time but never took the time to design and plan in order to do so.  But I think that next year, we will be able to built a above ground garden and plant some nice veggies for our family.   We usually share with people in our lives when we do so.  For example, this year, we processed 250 lbs of tomatoes and made salsa that we share with friends and family.   Recently, my oldest son had an assignment to do a friendship bread recipes that gave 4 loaves. We could keep one and then he had to share some with friends and give two away to people in need.   Turns out that we had a friend coming that evening and she knew two families that were struggling – we quickly made two boxes to give some salsa, jam, onion jelly as well as the friendship bread so we can bless these two families.  It was fun to do this on a spontaneous way.

To be honest, I am particularly pleased on the fact that I have the opportunity to review a product that my child has been exposed to through his youth meetings.   Having in hand will allow us to use it with the other kids as they enter the youth ages.      After watching the DVD, I can say that this is perfect for youth and adult alike.  It’s a great way to discover how you can change your daily lifestyle in order to be able to promote justice on a daily basis.

Choose Justice – A Daily Lifestyle is also available on amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Graf-Martin and World Vision Canada for sending me the above mentioned title 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.

DK Lego Brickmaster Star Wars Battle For The Stolen Crystals

DK Lego Brickmaster Star Wars Battle For The Stolen Crystals
Published at DK Canada

About the product

Star Wars® and LEGO® fans alike can join forces with Commander Gree to defeat the deadly commando droid. Including 180 bricks and two minifigures, LEGO® Star Wars® Brickmaster: Battle for the Stolen Crystals allows young fans to play out the thrilling four-part adventure story by building the models and taking them apart to build the next one.

Now with 80 pages, this all-new LEGO Star Wars brickmaster includes clear step-by-step building instructions along with an exciting new story where kids can experience the adventure through their creations.

My Thoughts

I was looking forward to see a new Lego Brickmaster and recently I got the opportunity to get one to review.  The new Star Wars Battle For The Stolen Crystals is packed with adventures to build and live for your little Star Wars fan.   Your child will have to help Commander Gree to defeat the deadly commando droid.  He/she will be able to read the story, build the models while following the step-by-step instructions and play the adventure.

The book comes with over 180 bricks and two minifigures.  Clear instructions throughout the book will allow you to build four scenes containing two models in each one – Battle in the Canyons, Ambush in the Forest, Desert Atack, and Ice Mountain Chase. The child discovering this special package from DK will be able to build the V-19 Torrent, a speedy starfighter, a separatist cannon, a WT-RT walker, a Vespula Fighter, a desert speeder, a PH-STAP, a KD81 cargo skiff and an ice speeder.  The book also contains information on the vehicles, the characters, as well as tips on how to build with Lego.

I find the DK Lego Brickmasters to be a great purchase for kids.   The price is amazing and the book contains Lego bricks that will entertain your child.   Different models exists: Legends of Chima The Quest for Chi, Ninjago, Atlantis, Friends, Ninjago Fight of the Snakes, Pirates, Castle, Star Wars, and City.   I really recommend these special packages from DK as it offer quality blocks and reading at the same time.   I really look forward to new DK Brickmaster in the future and hope that new kits of Lego Friends will be offered in a near future.

I consider the DK Brickmaster sets to be a great gift for a birthday or Christmas.  They are affordable, contains Lego bricks and will provide some entertainment to the recipient of the gift.

The DK Lego Brickmaster Star Wars Battle for the Stolen Crystals is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned title 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.