review: Good Morning Lord by Sheila Walsh

So, a long time ago I received another book to review from booksneeze.



Unfortunately, life happened (in the form of getting engaged, switching jobs, moving...again, etc) and I kind of forgot to post the review.

So, here's the really, really late version!

Let me just start off by saying...

Devotional books?  Not (normally) my thing.  Normally I find them a bit trite and simplistic. But when I saw this one was written by Sheila Walsh I decided to take a chance.  And I'm glad I did!  I knew from the subtitle that I was going to at least mildly enjoy this one ;-)

Sheila has such a refreshing voice, such a way of capturing insights.  And at the same time, you can imagine yourself having a conversation with her over a strong cup of coffee.  Nothing in this book is "out of reach", but it is theologically sound and Spirit-breathed. 

There are the expected short (2-3 paragraph) excerpts and questions for each day...but somehow this one doesn't feel trite or too simple.  It is focused and clear, and often spoke to just where I was.

I found myself reading pretty much the entire book in one sitting (perhaps THIS is why devotionals aren't my thing) but I've now tucked it in my laptop bag so that I can take it to work each day and read it as intended.

Thanks (once again) to booksneeze for giving me the chance to read another new favorite :-)

*disclaimer: I received this book free to review.  All opinions expressed in this post are my own.  I was not required to give a positive review.  The gushing is all mine.  ;-)

thursday's ten: the women of faith edition

so...this week is a bit different here at thursday's ten!  i'm so excited to be participating in a really cool program this fall.

1. because i review books for Thomas Nelson through Booksneeze, i was presented with the opportunity to apply to attend a Women of Faith event for FREE.
2. i immediately went to the website and filled out all the info.  i knew that atlanta was probably a pretty popular choice, so i tried not to get my hopes up that i would be selected.
3. a few weeks later, i got a great email informing me that I had been selected!
4. my requirements for going are to post at least 2 blogs about the event, one before and one after as well as to display the nifty little badge you see over there to your right on the blog for at least 30 days.
5. i will TOTALLY be life tweeting the event.  the official hashtag for the WoF Imagine is #wofimage so be sure to follow if you're interested in what's going on there!
6. i received 2 free tickets to the event, and I'm taking my future mother in law.  We will be staying with Anthony's Aunt Tammy while we are there, so we'll get a little family bonding in too :-)  i'm so thankful that God has placed me within such a God-seeking family...a little added bonus to marrying this man i love :-)
7. i honestly have a very limited grasp of what to expect.  BUT i'm actually pretty excited about that.  i'm praying that God will release His Spirit all over that place and that the worship and speakers will be out of this world amazing :-)
8. we leave today after i get off work.  events begin Friday at 9 am sharp, so we may be slightly sleep deprived...but i'm sure staying involved won't be a problem.
9. i can't WAIT to tell you all about it!
10. Have i mentioned i'm excited? :-)

i have wanted to go to a women of faith event since a few years ago when some friends gave me the women of faith devotional for a birthday gift.  i have so appreciated the wisdom and insight from these Godly women, and am thrilled to be able to experience all of this firsthand.  plus, you know me...any chance to take off a weekend and just worship my Papa is a chance i'm going to take!

Outlive Your Life: a review

You know, sometimes you feel like someone has been eavesdropping on your conversations. Reading your journals.
Knowing your inner-most thoughts.

After reading only the first few sentences of his new book Outlive Your Life, I am fully convinced that Max Lucado has been spying on me.

In his latest book, he outlines the practical and Biblically sound answer to the question so many of us are asking: "how can I possibly make a difference?"

Honestly, this is a hard book to put down. I'm a fast reader anyway, but the first time I picked it up I read 5 chapters without even noticing. I devoured every word and scrambled to the next page because Max has hit on one of my most primal cries -- how can I live a God-honoring life that truly matters?

Besides hitting every point solidly and without any hesitation, Lucado continues to write in a voice that is conversational. You can imagine sharing these words over coffee, after a football game, or driving down the road. His gift is his ability to reach people where they are and help us all to understand the simple truths he writes about. Plainly put...I "get it" when Max Lucado writes it. Sometimes it's a new and radical idea...other times, like this one, it's something I've had in my heart for sometime that resonated with every word I read.

I loved that the Scriptural basis for all of this was Acts. In drawing parallels between the disciples and ourselves (because we are to be disciples too!), Lucado brings it home.

I have enjoyed every Max Lucado book I've ever read, and without hesitation I can say that this one is by far my favorite. He's hit a home run with this one, and I think it should be on the required reading for everyone who claims the name of Christ!

now for the disclaimer bit:



I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review from Thomas Nelson publishers and their blogger resource Booksneeze. I was required to write an honest review, and was not required to be positive. The gushing was all.me. :) I was required to give a disclaimer by some sort of law which I would copy and paste into my blog at this point, but I can't find it and I'm sure you get the idea anyway. :)