Book Review 2013... #10 Mourning Song by Joyce Landorf

I am not going to do a review of this book using my "usual" format.  It really didn't lend itself to that, more because of the subject matter than its structure.

This was a very difficult book for me to read largely because it was written about the author's experiences with her mother's death.  That is a difficult subject for me and, frankly, I just didn't want to visit those emotions this past summer. 

There are 2 primary reasons why I will not be recommending this book.
#1  I found some of the author's insights to be a bit too simplistic.  Grief is so complicated.  Perhaps I felt that way because of my own resistance to  go deeper into it, but that is my impression.
#2  Near the end of the book the author suggests that the only way to complete our healing of grief is to forgive God for allowing our loved ones to die.  Everything in me rejects that!  God cannot do anything that is unrighteous that needs to be forgiven!  

So there you have it.  I'm sure there are much better books than this on dealing with grief.  If I stumble upon one, I'll let you know.  The good news is that now I have a book that I can use the pages to practice some of those nifty book page crafts with!

Book Review 2013... #9 Radical by David Platt

How this book came to me:  I read a review of Radical somewhere and thought it sounded interesting.  My husband bought it for me for Christmas.
 
Nutshell Synopsis:  Radical is a call to Christians to abandon the American dream as we currently pursue it and to follow the commands of the Great Commission.
 
Quotes from the book:
 

"We are settling for a Christianity that revolves around catering to ourselves when the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves." 

"...with the best of intentions, we have actually turned away from Jesus.  We have in many areas blindly and unknowingly embraced values and ideas that are common in our culture but are antithetical to the gospel he taught.  here we stand amid an American dream dominated by self-advancement, self-esteem, and self-sufficiency, by individualism, materialism, and universalism. I want to show you our desperate need to revisit the words of Jesus, to listen to them, to believe them, and to obey them.  We need to return with urgency to a biblical gospel, because the cost of not doing so is great for our lives, our families, our churches, and the world around us."

"We will look at the core truth of a God-centered gospel and see how we have manipulated it into a human-centered (and ultimately dissatisfying) message." 

"Everything in all creation responds in obedience to the Creator...until we get to you and me.  We have the audacity to look God in the face and say, "No."" 

"This, after all, is the goal of the American dream:  to make much of ourselves.  But here the gospel and the American dream are clearly and ultimately antithetical to each other.  While the goal of the American dream is to make much of us, the goal of the gospel is to make much of God."

 
More Info:  David Platt is the lead pastor of a mega church in Alabama.  He has a passion for going into all the world and teaching others to go into all the world to teach the gospel.  He speaks to the harsh realities of our complacency... millions dying without ever hearing about Jesus, lost for eternity, all because we pursue what is temporal more than what is eternal.  Regardless of your agreement or disagreement with his basic premise, it is a book that will most likely make you think and reevaluate.  Near the end of the book he issues a 5 part, year long challenge to help the reader test "his" theory.   
 
Reading Level:  True to its title, this book is pretty radical in comparisson to how most American Christians are currently operating.  I'm glad I read Crazy Love by Francis Chan before reading Radical.  You can read my review of that book HERE.  I think I would have found the concepts in this book much more difficult to understand if I hadn't. 
 
Re-readability:  I don't know if I will read this book again but I may visit the last chapter to look futher into the challenge he issues.  There is a follow-up website as well.  I don't often request my husband read the books I do but I have asked him to read this one.  I told him that he really should be aware of what is going into my brain so he can more easily understand what is coming out of my mouth!! 
 
Lasting Impressions:  It is my belief that we only feel condemned by the beliefs of others if it is an area in which we already feel some sort of guilt or shame, or if our current belief is somewhat shaky.  When we are confident but are seeking to grow,  then we are free to experience conviction, change, and growth.  So before reading this book I would gently suggest you determine how you view your current situation.  This is not an easy concept to ignore once you read it.  

"Though you and I find ourselves surrounded by the lure of temporary pleasures, we must fasten our affections on the one who promises eternal treasure that will never spoil or fade.  If your life or my life is going to count on earth, we must start concentrating on heaven.  For then, and only then, will you and I be free to take radical risk, know that what awaits us is radical reward."

Book Review 2013 ... #8 Prayer by Philip Yancey

How this book came to me:  I bought it at Ollie's quite a few years ago, started to read it (I don't remember reading any of it, but I noted a few things in the first chapter, so obviously I did!), and there it sat on the bookshelf til now.

Nutshell Synopsis: Prayer is about... you guessed it... Prayer!  Mr. Yancey wrote this book from the perspective of a person wanting to discover what prayer is, what prayer does, how and why we pray, what our prayers mean to God, and much more.

Quotes from the book:

"Prayer helps correct myopia, calling to mind a perspective I daily forget.  I keep reversing roles, thinking of ways in which God should serve me, rather than vice versa."

"In a world that glorifies success, an admission of weakness disarms pride at the same time that it prepares us to receive grace.  Meanwhile, the very weakness that drives us to pray becomes an invitation for God to respond with compassion and power... In the presence of the Great Physician, my most appropriate contribution may be my wounds... By trying to be strong, I may even block God's power."

"For most of us prayer serves as a resource to help in a time of testing or conflict.  For Jesus, it was the battle itself.  Once the Gethsemane prayers had aligned him with the Father's will, what happened next was merely the means to fulfill it.  Prayer mattered that much."

"Not everyone worries about the philosophical underpinnings of prayer.  For those of us who do, however, what we conclude about this issue may well determine how we view the utility-- or futility-- of prayer."

"Real power rests in those who perceive history as God's own drama, who tap into a power accessible only to those who ask and seek and knock.  Prayer sets God loose.  As we revolt against the world's disorder in our actions and in our prayers, refusing to resign ourselves to evil, we demonstrate that there remains, in Jesus' phrase, "faith on earth.""

More Info:  I am almost positive I know why I stopped reading this book all those years ago.  The layout of the writing must've thrown me off.  Having a few crippling quirky OCD tendencies, I probably had too much difficulty with the offsets (which are numerous) not being in predictable placements.  This time I was able to push through the chaos and focus on the content rather than the style.  <Satisfied grin at small accomplishments!>  The author also included many, many quotes from other sources about prayer.  He seems to be, at heart, an investigative reporter and wants to provide the reader with multiple points of view.  Even conflicting perspectives.  He also has other resources on prayer listed in the back of the book.

Reading Level:  Phillip Yancey is a trained writer,  highly educated, and writes at a level slightly more advanced than most books I read.  I had to consult a dictionary a few times when I could not figure out a word by context.  But don't let that scare you away.  There are so many thought-provoking passages in Prayer that it makes the little extra effort worth it. 

Re-readability:  I doubt that I will read this book cover to cover again but will definitely keep it on hand for thoughts and quotes.

Lasting Impressions:  After I got past my own aversion to the layout, I began to really appreciate this book and the ways in which I was prompted to approach such a personal topic.  "By bringing us into the presence of God, and giving us a glimpse of the view from above, prayer radically changes how we experience life.  Faith during affliction matters more than healing from affliction.  Submitting to God's will is preferable to a rescue from crucifixion.  Humility counts more than deliverance from a thorn in the flesh."

Book Review 2013... #7 No Permanent City

How this book came to me:  I bought it at Ollie's.  For $2.99, I couldn't resist!

Nutshell Synopsis:  No Permanent City is a collection of short historical stories about the Anabaptists (Mennonite, Amish) in history.

Quotes from the book:  There are no real quotes to share from this book since everything is in context of a story.

More Info: Most of the stories in this book are very interesting.  Since my mother's family is/was Mennonite, I find most things of this nature interesting.

Reading Level:  I found it to be an easy read.  The stories are no more than 5 pages long at the most so it made for perfect bedtime reading... Just long enough to settle myself in but not too long to keep me awake for very long.

Re-readability:  Hard to say.  I rarely re-read books unless they are gripping or challenge my thinking.  So even though I enjoyed reading it, I doubt I will.  So if any of my friends would like to borrow it, you may!

Lasting Impressions:  Interesting.  Enjoyable. Easy.

Book Review 2013... #6 Thoughts and Feelings

How this book came to me:  One of my aunts posted some information from this book on facebook that I thought was interesting so I bought it.

Nutshell Synopsis:  Thoughts and Feelings is a workbook that can aid the reader in diagnosing common emotional problems and finding ways to overcome them through cognitive behavior therapy.   

Quotes from the book: 

"...it's important for you to recognize that thoughts create and sustain emotion.  To reduce the frequency of painful emotions, you need to listen to what you think, then ask how true your thoughts are.  Remember, what you think ultimately creates what you feel."

 

More Info:  This is not a book that is to be read cover to cover, although I did for purposes of this review.  Some of these chapters take weeks to work through to a level of "mastery".  The first couple chapters are dedicated to uncover and label faulty thinking and directing the reader to the chapters that they should find the most helpful in overcoming those particular thought patterns.  Some of the faulty thinking covered in this book are filtering, overgeneralization, personalization, and polarized thinking. 

Reading Level:  I am not an expert in these things but my guess would be that one would need a solid high school level vocabulary and a college level interest in the subject matter to find this book helpful.  It is very methodical, no touchy-feely "you are awesome just the way you are" easy reading chapters.  This appeals highly to my sense of structure and orderliness!!

Re-readability:  I found some of the information in this book fascinating and will likely go back and re-read sections that apply to me.

Lasting Impressions:  Although I would not say that this book is anti-Christian or ungodly, this book is NOT written with a Christian worldview but I do think that many of the recommended techniques would easily fit into a Christian counselor's repertoire.

Book Review 2013... #5 Crazy Love by Francis Chan

 

 

How this book came to me:  A year or so ago I read a few quotes from this book that an aunt of mine had posted on facebook and asked her if I could borrow it.  She sent me a copy and told me to keep it.  I've read it once before and passed it along to a couple friends.  I have it back now and am reading through again, this time watching the short videos that are suggested by the author. 

Nutshell Synopsis:  Crazy Love is a call to live a life of love, sacrifice and obedience in response to the love that God has for us, His creation.  If you are comfortable with your life as it is, don't read this book.  There are quite a few moments of "Ouch!  Those are my toes you stepped on!". It assumes the reader has a fundamental belief that the Bible is the inspired word of God.   

Quotes from the book:

"God is the only Being who is good, and the standards are set by Him.  Because God hates sin, He has to punish those guilty of sin.  Maybe that's not an appealing standard.  But to put it bluntly, when you get your own universe, you can make your own standards.  When we disagree, let's not assume it's His reasoning that needs correction."

"How is it possible that we live life as though it is about us?...  Frankly, you need to get over yourself."

"When we face the holy God, "nice" isn't what we will be concerned with, and it definitely wasn't what He will be thinking about.  Any compliments you received on earth will be gone; all that will be left for you is truth.  The church in Sardis had a great reputation, but it didn't matter.  Jesus said to them, "I know your deeds;  you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead"  (Rev. 3:1)  All that matters is the reality of who we are before God... Perhaps that sounds harsh, but harsh words and the loving truth often go hand in hand."

"The greatest good on this earth is God.  Period.  God's one goal for us is Himself."

"As I see it, a lukewarm Christian is an oxymoron; there's no such thing.  To put it plainly, churchgoers who are "lukewarm" are not Christians.  We will not see them in heaven."

"I believe that much of the American churchgoing population, while not specifically swimming downstream, is slowly floating away from Christ."

"We each need to discover for ourselves how to live this day in faithful surrender to God as we "continue to work out [our] faith with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12)"

"... we've developed a habit of listening to the Word of God and not obeying it."

More Info:  Crazy Love exposes the lukewarm Christian and reveals attributes of those who are obsessed with following Christ. 

Reading Level:  Easy, but the subject matter is supremely serious.  The author asks us to question whether or not we are on the "narrow way" or have hearts of "good soil" and he isn't very gentle about it. He acknowledges that it is difficult but that now is the time to decide.   

Re-readability:  This is my second read-through, so, yes.  It is worth reading again.  Probably many times to help us focus and look intently into our hearts and, perhaps more importantly, the way we live our lives.

Lasting Impressions: I'll be honest, it is as easy for me to feel convicted about something in my life that needs to change and then stay just as I am, as it is for anyone else.  Since the first time I read this book about a year or so ago I have wrestled with God on more than one occasion about more than one issue and have found myself submitting more readily and with more joy.  Does that mean I do ALL the time?  By no means!  I have a streak of rebellion in my heart that shocks even me sometimes. 
  

 

Now, I don't really believe that God forces us to go anywhere or change anything in our hearts against our will.  He will leave us in whatever unregenerate condition we want Him to.  To me, the above cartoon illustrates that God will take us where He wants us but only we can choose if we want it to change us. 

 

I'll leave you with one last quote...

 

"Let's face it.  We're willing to make changes in our lives only if we think it affects our salvation.  This is why I have so many people ask me questions like, Can I divorce my wife and still go to heaven?  Do I have to be baptized to be saved?  Am I a Christian even if I am having sex with my girlfriend?  If I commit suicide, can I still go to heaven?  If I'm ashamed to talk about Christ, is he really going to deny knowing me?

To me, these questions are tragic because they reveal much about the state of our hearts.  They demonstrate that our concern is more about going to heaven than loving the King.  Jesus said "If you love me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15) And our question quickly becomes more unthinkable:  Can I go to heaven without truly and faithfully loving Jesus?

I don't see anywhere in Scripture how the answer to that question could be yes." 

Book Review 2013... #4 When God Is Silent by Charles R. Swindoll

How this book came to me:  I've had this little book sitting on a shelf for so long I don't even remember.  It is a small book (maybe 7"x7") with fewer than 130 pages and full of beautiful pictures.  This is a gift edition book with a presentation page in the front and lined pages for note-taking in the back, all glossy.

Nutshell Synopsis:  When God Is Silent is written to encourage people who are going through discouraging times using the story of Job as a guide.  Job, a man of great wealth and property, loses everything including all 10 of his grown children by unexpected means that were orchestrated by Satan. He was also given painful boils from head to toe and goes to live by the side of a refuse heap.  He hears from his wife-- "Curse God and die!" and he hears from his friends-- "What did you do to deserve this?"  but he does not hear from God (until much later).  His response?  He worships!

 
Quotes from the book: 

"When you understand that everything is on loan, you are better prepared to release it when the owner wants it back."

"Understand, our God is full of compassion, but His plan is beyond our comprehension."

"May God enable us to raise our faith to such heights rather than lower our view of Him."

"The single reason we remember Job with such admiration is because he endured."

"As a result of enduring pain, we change from being mere sufferers to wise counselors and valuable comforters."

"Gods silence is not the same thing as God's absence."

"You cannot think God's thoughts more acutely than when you quote God's very words back to life's situations." 

"We take a major step toward maturity when we finally realize it's not about us and our significance.  It's all about God's magnificence.  His holiness.  His greatness.  His glory."

More Info:  When I first began reading When God Is Silent I was afraid it was going to be like so many other things I've heard.  You've heard them, too. The "There's a silver lining for every cloud"  pep talks.  Sorry, I am just not a silver lining kind of gal!  Some trials just don't make sense and sometimes the purpose is hidden from us.  As Mr. Swindoll says, we need to practice saying "I don't know" because we may never have an answer to some things this side of Heaven.  Not only that but perhaps there is a lesson in the "cloud" that we will miss if we are looking too hard for the silver lining.  Just a thought.


Reading Level:  If I had wanted to, I probably could have read this little book in a single day.  But I didn't want to.  I don't want to rush through just for the sake of completing my list by year's end.  Finishing isn't the point.  Giving myself a target is.  Anyway.  It is not a complicated book but there are some concepts that required me to stop and think on for some time.   

Re-readability:  Since adversity and trials are timeless, I will probably read this book again.  It is a book that I would recommend (even loan out) to anyone who is struggling to continue their walk or worship, or trying to figure out "why?" because of an unexpected painful circumstance.

Lasting Impressions: 

"Understanding is responding to life's struggles and challenges as God would have us respond. Not in panic and confusion. Not forfeiting those things that are valuable to us, and not by compromising our integrity. Instead, when we have understanding, we respond to life's challenges as God would have us respond. We trust Him. We believe in Him. We refuse to be afraid. We don't operate our lives according to human impulses or in step with today's politically correct culture. How terribly important it is that we stand firm in wisdom, responding in understanding." 

and

Job 2:10 "But [Job] said to [his wife], "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips."

Book Review 2013... #3 The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado

How this book came to me:  It was on sale at Ollies for $3.99 so I thought "Why not?  I've never read a Max Lucado book.  Let's see what all the fuss is about."  I'd heard a lot of comments about Max Lucado's books, both negative and positive, over the years so I suppose it is time to decide for myself.

Nutshell Synopsis:  The Applause of Heaven is a narrative study of the Beatitudes in the account of Matthew 5:1-10.  Mr. Lucado paints gentle but pointed modern-day word pictures that help illustrate how the words of Jesus are applicable in the lives of His followers today.

Quotes from the book:  I'll be honest. I didn't underline anything that I can now go back to in order to write this section because I forgot to.  I got too caught up in the stories.  Mr. Lucado relies heavily on story-telling in this book.  That's not a bad thing, it just doesn't leave me with much to quote!  I'll just include the verses on which the book is based:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

More Information:  In the back of the book there is a Study Guide that covers the book in 10 sessions.  I think this book is written gently for the purpose of introducing people to the tender side of God (If God has sides) or re-introducing believers to their first Love.  If you are looking for an in-depth study, look elsewhere.

Reading Level:  Easy.  I probably could've read this book in one day since it was so warm and inviting.  No prior understanding of the Bible is necessary or assumed in The Applause of Heaven.  
 
Re-readability:  I do want to read this book again and perhaps even follow the Study Guide in the back with a group. 

Lasting Impressions:   Lately I have been drawn to books, articles, and songs that stir my longing for Heaven, which this book did.  "John [the apostle] says that someday God will wipe away your tears.  The same hands that stretched the heavens will touch your cheeks.  The same hands that formed the mountains will caress your face.  The same hands that curled in agony as the Roman spike cut through will some day cup your face and brush away your tears.  Forever."

Book Review 2013...#2 Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

How this book came to me:  I had heard of this book for years but never read it, then a few months ago a friend recommended it (she reads it through a couple times a year).  Since Christmas was coming, I asked for it for Christmas, and my husband gave it to me.

Nutshell Synopsis:  Mere Christianity is actually a collection of 4 shorter books that were based on radio spots done by Mr. Lewis when Britain was at war with Nazi Germany (the beginning of World War 2).  Previous to converting to Christianity, Mr. Lewis considered himself an atheist so he starts from the beginning to "prove" God and Moral Law, then walks the reader step-by-step through Christian living and doctrine. 

Quotes from the book:  I found many of the things that Mr. Lewis said to be interesting and, in some cases, inspiring.  There are a few "famous" quotes sprinkled throughout but decided to present some of his lesser-known (to me) bits of wisdom.

"We all want progress... There is nothing progressive about being pig headed and refusing to admit a mistake."

"This is one of the reasons I believe Christianity.  It is a religion that you could not have guessed."

"The better stuff the creature is made of-- the cleverer and stronger and freer it is-- then the better it will be if it goes right but also the worse it will be if it goes wrong."

"But even the best Christian that ever lived is not acting on his own steam-- his is only nourishing or protecting a life he could never have acquired by his own efforts."

"The real job of every moral teacher is to keep on bringing us back, time after time, to the old simple principles which we are all so anxious not to see."
 

"When a man is getting better he understands more and more clearly the evil that is still left in him.  When a man is getting worse he understands his own badness less and less."

"If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next." 

"We never find out the strength of the evil impulse inside us until we try to fight it: and Christ, because He was the only man who never yielded to temptation, is also the only man who knows to the full what temptation means..."
 

More Info: I don't always read Forwards and Prefaces of books but I'm glad I did on this one.  This particular edition had a Forward written by his stepson, Douglas Gresham, who explained much of the background of how Mere Christianity came to be. It also contains some letters between Mr. Lewis and several other people.  I did not read those.  Maybe next time. 

Reading Level:  This book is not terribly difficult to read but it did take some time to adjust myself to its obvious rhythm.  Mr. Lewis uses many turns of phrases that are particular to the time and place so unless the reader is slightly familiar with it there may be some confusion.   I knew my fondness for BBC America and Masterpiece Theater-type programming would come in handy one day!  Mere Christianity seems to me to be a type of apologetic and evangelistic tool but is thoughtful enough to engage long-time believers.

Re-readability:  I will probably re-read this book in the future, possibly a few years down the road.  As I said in the beginning, the friend who recommended it reads it over and over.  I was not as drawn into it as she, obviously, but it is a good book that I would  recommend although I'd say check it out from the library rather than buying an expensive copy.

Lasting Impressions:  There were several admonishing concepts that I take away from this book which include #1 Give people better raw material so that it is easier for them to make more moral acts of choice.  #2  Appetites grow by indulgence, take care of what I feed on. #3  This is a quote from the book that I hope people will understand of me and what I say/write:  "I can only ask instructed Christians to watch very carefully, and tell me when I go wrong; and others to take what I say with a grain of salt-- as something offered, because it may be a help, not because I am certain that I am right."

Book Review 2013... #1 So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore

So Long, Insecurity... you've been a bad friend to us.

by Beth Moore

How this book came to me: A friend of mine handed this book to me somewhat off-handedly. She said she thought I might find it interesting. Yeah, right! Based on the conversation our group was having, she knew I needed to pry open my eyes to get some new light shining on an old problem I'm still having. She's known me for 25 years so she has more than a bit of insight into my life. Thanks, A.J.! Perfect timing!

Nutshell Synopsis: The way I understand Beth Moore's writing goes a little something like this -- "Girlfriend, you are a wreck. You wanna know how I know? Because I'm a wreck, too! But God and I have come a very long way together and I'm just gonna put my arm around you while we get you out of this mess you've made." She's just one of those authors who can jerk a knot on your head and you thank her for it. I hope she is like that in real life, too!

Quotes from the book: I underlined, circled and starred so many portions of this book that I'd pretty much provide you with the whole book if I were to write them all here. I'm pretty sure that while Beth (I call her Beth) would appreciate my zeal, I'm equally sure that her publisher wouldn't appreciate me pushing past the limits of copyright law's grace so I'll just choose a few that I think might most generally resonate.

"Be careful not to give too much credence to the old adage that time heals. Mark my word. It's God that heals. Time only tells. The passage of days, weeks, and years can as easily amplify an old voice as weaken it."

"...big egos insist on our being a "the". Not just an "a". We're that desperate for significance. We live our lives screaming, "Somebody notice me!" And do you want to know something interesting? That's exactly how God made us.

That very need is built into our human hard drive to send us on a search for our Creator, who can assign us more significance than we can handle. He not only notices us, He never takes His eyes off us. Every now and then a moment of clarity hits us and we feel known by something-- Someone-- of inestimable greatness."

"Pride is dignity's counterfeit."

"I can promise you that God wills for us to walk out the depth and breadth of our lives with dignity and security. Neither God nor you have anything to gain by your persistent insecurity."

"I used to think that the essence of trusting God was trusting that He wouldn't allow my fears to become realities. Without realizing it, I mostly trusted God to do what I told Him."

More Info: If you don't think you are insecure, you might just change your mind after reading this book. Not that she wants to make us feel insecure, but she wants to expose our "issues" for what they are so that we can eradicate them. After all, it is easier to rid our lives of named enemies than unrecognized ones. In this book, Beth identifies common roots of insecurity, the food that feeds insecurity's nearly insatiable appetite, triggers that commonly cause us to act out (examples are plentiful), how our dignity can be restored, and how to promote dignity in the people around us.

Beth expresses a passion to minister to women and this book does not stray from that for long, but because she loves men, too, she includes some words from them and for them as well. Let me just say one thing she said that I think our increasingly matriarchal society needs to know about how important it is for fathers to affirm their sons' manhood... "If every person on the planet acknowledges that a man is a man but his own father does not, the fight to earn his stripes is twice as bloody."

Reading Level: The reading level of So Long, Insecurity isn't difficult but if you suffer much from feeling insecure you won't want to rush through it. I took time to read and re-read many portions just so that I could gain as much insight into my psyche as I could.

Re-readability: I probably will re-read this book because I'll probably need to at some point. It really is full of insight!

Lasting Impression: #1 "Now that you know, what will you do?" #2 "But... I... have... this...Treasure." This last quote had HUGE impact at the end of a story.  Read it for yourself and see if it doesn't turn on the lightbulb over your head!

Book Review 2013... The List

I like to read but don't do as much of it as I'd like to. I am not a fast reader and am easily distracted by my own thoughts so I tend to forget what I've read at the first by the time I get to the last. With that in mind, coupled with the fact that I do much better with external accountability, I thought it might keep me on track to write reviews of the books I am reading.

So now I have a line of books on my shelf that I'd like to read this year. Some I've never read, some I've read and want to read again, and some I've read but NEED to read again. Very few are light. They are mostly soul-searching faith-based books. That is the season of my life... The time where I've looked within and recognized how utterly wasteful I've been with what I've been given. I sorrow over that. Deeply. But if sorrow doesn't lead to growth then it isn't doing its job, so soul-growing books it is!

I've seen a lot of bloggers make a disclaimer when it comes to product and book reviews so this should be an appropriate spot to make my own. Unless otherwise stated, I am not paid in any way shape or form for reviewing these books. They have either been purchased by me at sticker price or been given to me as gifts from friends or family who have purchased them at sticker price. And by sticker price I mean "whatever the sticker says", be that full price retail all the way down to yard sale yellow dot!

There is no set time that I've given myself to read and review the books as they are of varying length and substance. The posts will be hit-or-miss. Following is a list of the books that I intend to read this year in no particular order (I will rearrange them as I go along). If you've read any of these please leave your always-welcome comments about them until I've reviewed them so that the discussion about a particular book is all in one spot. I like things orderly, you know. If you have a word of doctrinal caution for me about a particular book on this list BY ALL MEANS contact me privately. I will appreciate your loving attention to wisdom and truth!

So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado

When God Is Silent by Charles R. Swindoll

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

Thoughts and Feelings by McKay, Davis, and Fanning

No Permanent City by Harry Loewen

Prayer by Philip Yancy

Mourning Song by Joyce Landorf

How to Love Someone You Can't Stand by Milton Jones

The Secret Things of God by Dr. Henry Cloud

Why? by Anne Graham Lotz

How Now Shall We Live by Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey

He Speaks to Me by Priscilla Shirer

Completely Blessed by Shannon Ethridge

Essentials for Life for Women by Marcia Ford

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver

Earthen Vessels by J. Oswald Sanders

A Godward Life by John Piper

Radical by David Platt

The Shelter of God's Promises (DVD study series) by Sheila Walsh

Whew! I'd better get crackin'! That's a lot of books for me. Yikes! Pray for me that I will stay on task, absorb what is good and reject what is not-so-good, please.