Unbridled Faith by Cara Whitney

Cara Whitney

ISBN: 9781400303311

Publisher's Synopsis:

Through years spent working with these majestic animals—Cara Whitney has learned countless spiritual lessons that have brought her closer to God.

In 100 heartfelt devotions with stunning photography, you'll learn about being flexible in your faith from a gangly legged colt. Discover the secret to overcoming temptation through a horse's "sneak and eat" game. From a pony with a sweet tooth, find out why we should be glad God doesn’t answer yes to all of our prayers. Be reminded that you are priceless to God from a one-eyed quarter horse named Roanie.

Unbridled Faith is the perfect daily devotional for horse lovers.

"If we wish to be godly encouragers, 
we must not speak until we have truly
listened and prayed."

MrsK's Review:

Fresh truth for an every day renewal. This devotional is a collection of peaceful encounters. Whether you are finding hope, joy, or just a step in the right direction... you will discover a quiet moment that re-energizes your spirit and your outlook.

Beautifully crafted with photos of horses, calming vistas, and truthful connections between ourselves and these loyal animals. Many of you will find a connection that you might have found the first time you read Black Beauty. That profound wisdom that spoke to your spirit will be discovered on a daily basis within these pages.

This is a devotional for those in love with ranches, horses, and our Lord. What I found within was a peace that I must share with a grand-daughter who is emerging into a teen. What is guaranteed is a daily journey that inspires, ignites a walk beyond your stumbling blocks, and wonderment in our Lord's creation.

Such a wonder-filled journey. Please gift this devotional to those who live with horses...
MrsK

Inspiring, joyful, and completely unique!
Every morning and every evening...
Sit and ponder...
Then begin to lift your voice in praise!

For a quick preview click here!

Meet the Author:

    Author Cara Whitney grew up on a cattle farm in Northern Wisconsin. After spending a decade as a radio personality in markets that included Las Vegas, she found herself in search of that simpler life everyone talks about. She soon discovered that there is no such thing as a simple life, but instead your best lived life is one that includes a relationship with Jesus Christ. Cara lives with her husband, Dan, and two kids on a horse farm in Nebraska.

"I received this book from the for this review."

Walking on Water by Madeleine L'Engle

Madeleine L'Engle

ISBN: 978084189279

Publisher's Synopsis:

In this classic book, Madeleine L'Engle addresses the questions, What makes art Christian? What does it mean to be a Christian artist? What is the relationship between faith and art? Through L'Engle's beautiful and insightful essay, readers will find themselves called to what the author views as the prime tasks of an artist: to listen, to remain aware, and to respond to creation through one's own art.

"A book, too, can be a star, explosive material, 

capable of stirring up fresh life endlessly, 

a living fire to lighten the darkness,

leading out into the expanding universe."

MrsK's Review:
As to a response to this books calling, "...to listen, to remain aware, and to respond to creation through one's own art," I must admit that there is a desire to applaud the many essays within the covers of this book.

As the author expresses her life-long discernment, the quality of word choice is seasoned with her voice of wisdom and is profoundly woven with grace and respect for the art of expression, design, and creativity. How do you live your talents? What brings you joy in your life? When in service, what inspires you to be at your best?

Once you've read these essays, re-read with a pencil and hi-lighter. Mark up those pages as you are "listening" for inspiration. Then, I challenge you to re-read once again as you journal your thoughts (use the discussion questions as your guide). Then revisit... often!

These reflections are crafted with an intention towards listening, contemplating, and learning. Multiple readings is recommended. Savoring the well seasoned bits of advice is what brings you joy.
This is a personal gift for you from Mrs. L'Engle...
Enjoy the journey,
MrsK 

"You have to write the book that wants to be written.

And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups,

then you write it for children."

Amazing experience...
Added to my reflection table for continued visits!

Meet the Author:

Madeleine L'Engle was an American writer best known for her Young Adult fiction, particularly the Newbery Medal-winning A Wrinkle in Time and its sequels A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, and Many Waters. Her works reflect her strong interest in modern science: tesseracts, for example, are featured prominently in A Wrinkle in Time, mitochondrial DNA in A Wind in the Door, organ regeneration in The Arm of the Starfish, and so forth.

As the years passed and the children grew, Madeleine continued to write and Hugh to act, and they to enjoy each other and life. Madeleine began her association with the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, where she has been the librarian and maintained an office for more than thirty years. After Hugh's death in 1986, it was her writing and lecturing that kept her going. She has now lived through the 20th century and into the 21st and has written over 60 books and keeps writing. She enjoys being with her friends, her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren."

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

The Longing in Me by Sheila Walsh

by Sheila Walsh

ISBN: 9781400204892



Publisher's Synopsis:



Do your desires have you going around in circles?

You may be looking for fulfillment in all the wrong places.

You vowed you d never repeat the same mistakes yet you find yourself right where you started. What is it that keeps drawing you back into the same old traps? The fact is, your longings are built from the blueprint of your needs: for protection, for love, for God. And those needs aren t going anywhere.

Sheila speaks candidly about the trials in her life, including the heartache of her first marriage, and intertwines her story with the biblical saga of King David. As both Sheila s and David s stories make clear, some cravings are misguided, but they all stem from the same hunger and they will haunt you until that hunger gets satisfied properly.

If you keep reaching out to the wrong people at the wrong times in your own life, The Longing in Me will help you understand that your cravings are not the problem. It s where they lead you that makes all the difference."

 

MrsK's Review:
It is with great honor that this review is being written. Over the course, of a few years, Sheila has been inspiring women to know and grow in a relationship with our Lord. Through Women of Faith, Sheila's witness has always... always inspired the next level in my faith walk.

With her newest book, Sheila is inviting us to walk with her and King David towards discovering the longing within our souls.

"The human heart longs for closure and understanding."

It's my "forever beginning," my point at which life tips and I begin looking for a life-preserver. Often times my searching takes me to others that might not be available. Ultimately, I reach for God's words... then I begin a renewal.

My prayer for you right now, dear reader, is that God

will grant you the grace and courage to pursue Him and,

along that broken path, discover how much God 

has always loved and relentlessly pursued you."

Sheila explains the "slow and endless drip, drip, dripping" as a soul is damaged. When we replay the "agonizing, shame-filled tapes" over and over and over in our heads we become powerless against the warfare that begins a battle against our soul. We long to win the battle and to take refuge under the care of a champion or victor.

"Christ has called us to be people who speak the truth and live in the light,

who openly settle our conflicts

rather than withdraw and embitter ourselves."

 If you are a gardener, you know all about those weeds that will choke the life out of a plant. Encrouching the good soil until the plant itself is over-ran with the weed's webbing. Within our minds, conversations and actions can thrive if we give attention to those deceiving "weeds."

"What God offers you is grace and forgiveness in the present

and hope for the future."

Eventually that "longing in me" begins prompting me to make everything right. What did King David do? How can the word of God direct our path? "How do you live when things can't be quickly fixed?"

Accept Sheila's invite, joining many women of faith and King David along this path of victory.

Healing brings sweet freedom,

MrsK

"The books or the music in which we thought the beauty was located
 will betray us if we trust to them;
it was not in them,
 it only came through them,
 and what came through was a longing...
  For they are not the thing itself;
 they are only the scent of a flower we have not found,
 the echo of a turn we have not heard,
 news from a country we have never yet visited."
C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

Inspiring forgiveness, renewal, strength, and self-discovery.

Meet the Author:

  Sheila Walsh is a powerful communicator, Bible teacher, and best-selling author with more than 4 million books sold. A featured speaker with Women of Faith®, Sheila has reached more than 3.5 million women by artistically combining honesty, vulnerability, and humor with God's Word.

Author of the best-selling memoir Honestly and the Gold Medallion nominee for The Heartache No One Sees, Sheila's most recent release, The Shelter of God's Promises, has also been turned into a DVD curriculum and in-depth Bible study. The Gigi, God's Little Princess book and video series has won the National Retailer's Choice Award twice and is the most popular Christian brand for young girls in the United States.
Sheila co-hosted The 700 Club and her own show Heart to Heart with Sheila Walsh. She is currently completing her Masters in Theology.

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free for this review."











The Reason For My Hope by Billy Graham

Billy Graham

ISBN: 9780529105448

Publisher's Synopsis:

The saving message of the Gospel is the heartbeat of this preacher and evangelist. Millions around the world have heard Billy Graham proclaim this unchanging truth. He has never forgotten the transformation of his own life, when he first said yes to God’s gift of salvation, and he has witnessed multitudes turn their hearts to the God of Hope.

 "Hope is a Gift.

Have you ever taken hold of such a prize that leads you out of uncertainty into profound assurance?

When it arrives, despair departs.

An old Scottish proverb says,

'Were it not for hope, the heart would break.'

What is your heart's condition?"

MrsK's Review:

Did you watch this special? Did you discover a new truth? When the opportunity for me to review the book, well I knew that our Lord was asking me to journey deeper into my relationship with Him.

This man's voice resonates deep within. Just his name brings back all of those moments in front of our television. A gathering "snuggled together" listening to what inspiration might feed us for the next few moments... the next few months... the next season. In the introduction, Billy Graham, reminds us that you can "glimpse the glow of hope" simply by lighting a match and burning a candle:

"You will discover that the whisper of its flame brings life to a room,

making the candle useful.

Is your flame alive and making a difference in the world?"

Have I been "nourishing" my soul enough that a flame burns within? Can others see the "glow of hope" in my actions or with my words? If "Hope pierces the darkness," if  "Hope brings comfort," then what am I showing all of you? 

Rescued for Something: What would your story be? With a series of short testimonies about survival from circumstances, physical defeats, or mental anguish there is a "Hope" that comes from being saved.

"For with the Lord there is mercy,

And with Him is abundant redemption."

Psalm 130:7

Hope. What are you searching for? What are you needing? Have you done all that you could do, yet still feel empty or unfulfilled? Is the way of this world spiraling to a point that you can't decipher what is truth? If so... there is hope!   

 "His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

great is His faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:22-23

Beautifully written, this book will help your spirit soar, 
MrsK

"The message of this book is my hope for you.

And my prayer is that you will be filled with the dividends of joy and peace

in believing that you can be rescued from all that hinders,

bringing you into a 'Living Hope of Salvation."

Billy Graham

May 2013

 *To read my in depth review, chapter by chapter... click here.

Meet the Author:

  Billy Graham

“My one purpose in life is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which, I believe, comes through knowing Christ." 

Billy Graham, world-renowned author, preacher, and evangelist, has delivered the Gospel message to more people face-to-face than anyone in history and has ministered on every continent of the world in more than 185 countries. Millions have read his inspirational classics, including Angels, Peace with God, The Holy Spirit, Hope for the Troubled Heart, How to Be Born Again, The Journey, Nearing Home, and The Reason For My Hope.

 My Hope Videos

 

 

Detox Your Soul by Tamar House

Tamar House

 9781628474244

Freeing your soul from all the negative stuff in your life is an exhilarating experience. It’s amazing what a positive mindset can do! God has forgiven us for our sins, and now it’s time that you start forgiving yourself. It’s time to change your thought process and learn how to enjoy the destiny God has created for you. In your life journey, challenges and mistakes are going to happen, but you need to realize how these issues are simply the stepping stones to the “good life”. This book will not only teach you how to overcome obstacles, but to renovate your soul. When you are finished, you will have the tools to give your mind, body, and spirit a complete overhaul. It’s time to make better choices. It’s time to live that wonderful life you dream of. It’s time you focus on the YOU that God intended you to be. It’s time to DETOX YOUR SOUL!!

Meet the Author: Tamar House grew up on the other side of the tracks.  She was born in Lancaster, California and spent her early life in the slumlords. Straight from the school of hard knocks, she has been through it all.  Abandoned by her biological father, lived in a drug-infested neighborhood, molested as a child, raped as an adolescent, ran with the gangs as a teenager, and divorced in her early twenties, she felt that God was out to punish her.  She was broken and abused and she struggled as a single mom.  She met her current husband, Ryan, in 2010 and he brought her back to the Christian church.  She accepted the Lord back into her life weeks after they met and she began focusing on all of the wonderful blessings she has in her life.  She decided to rid her soul of all the negativity that encompassed every ounce of her being, and started on her journey to true happiness.  She began encouraging her friends and co-workers to live life focused on being caring and loving, instead of anger and resentment.  People started to notice this change in Tamar, and saw that by changing your attitude, it could change your life.  She has created a following on social media and now her friends all look up to the motivational posts she has to offer.  She wants everyone to have the wonderful life God intended for us all.  She is now happily married with four beautiful children, is a successful Realtor, owns a property management company, sells body alkalizing and balancing products, and spent two years writing this book “Detox Your Soul”.  She hopes you enjoy it as much as she did writing it.  This book will renovate your mind, body and spirit.   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/detoxyoursoul

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Detox_your_soul

Website:  www.DetoxYourSoul.net

App for iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/soul-detox/id733097087?mt=8

App for Google Play:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app_souldetox.layout&hl=en

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FyP3HR

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1QckphX

Devotions from the Garden by Miriam Drennan

Miriam Drennan

ISBN: 9780718030506

Publisher's Synopsis:

Come to the garden alone, and fill your soul with His presence.

There’s nothing on earth like the peace and loveliness of a magnificent garden. It’s the place where Adam and Eve first fellowshipped with God, and where you, too, can escape from this chaotic world into His loving arms of beauty and serenity.Devotions from the Garden takes you to that place where senses are restored as dewdrops settle and butterflies gather to witness the miracles of God’s creation bloom and grow. These ninety devotions explore the parallels of life with the elements of the garden to help you see God, to sense His presence, to soothe your soul, and to rest in knowing He is with you throughout each day. Included are striking photographs with a fresh, contemporary design for timeless appeal.

MrsK's Review:

"Gardeners are well aware of the rhythm of the seasons...

and therefore the rhythm of their gardening...

plant, tend, harvest, and let alone."

Just when you think winter is never going to end, spring begins stirring deep within... and then it blooms! This book came across my review list at just the right moment. My soul was in need of spring cleansing and spiritual joy.

Filled with photos of garden beauty, this devotional brightens your path regardless of the time or the season. Organized in the fashion of a gardening manual, you discover a connection between sowing seeds in the ground and the sowing of God's words within your spirit. Both of which begin with God's transforming Grace. 

With every two page devotion, you discover God's word, a gardening thought-hint-inspiration and a beautiful prayer which ignites a peaceful moment of contemplation with our Lord. With such a hurried life style, these moments become treasures in which you quickly relinquish your cares as you bask in His peace. Think about those times when you sit on a covered patio, an ice tea is at hand, there is a gentle cool breeze as the sun goes down. It seems so quiet, so peaceful, and so refreshing. Or maybe the sea breeze is gently kissing your face as the waves are lulling you into a joy far removed from your daily cares. Now consider your garden spot, a place that is so quickly available... make a little spot of comfort, one that you can sit and ponder the glories (the blessings) that are sprinkled with nourishing love. Joyous moments just for your own peaceful retreat.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10 

This devotional becomes your "Miracle Grow," 
MrsK

Delightfully inspiring. Perfect for a moment of retreat!
Added to my shelf.

About the Author:

Miriam Drennan is the author of Devotions for the Beach and the Days You Wish You Were There and Soar Above the Madness: Surviving Office Politics Without Losing Your Mind, Your Job, or Your Lunch. She currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she enjoys gardening and playing with words. Drop her a line at www.that-writer.com.

"I received this book for free from Book Look Bloggers for this review."

Spoken For

Robin Jones Gunn

Alyssa Joy Bethke

Good Reads Synopsis:

Say Yes to the Love Story of Your Life A great romance was set in motion before you were born. A relentless Lover is pursuing you, and He has made His intentions clear. He wants you to be His forever. How will you respond to the One who longs for you to be His with your whole heart?
In Spoken For, Robin Jones Gunn and Alyssa Joy Bethke speak to your heart about what it means for you to belong to Christ, who you are because of His love, and how that affects the way you live. Drawing on biblical promises and their personal experiences,   these two friends share what it’s like to live out God’s unfolding love story. 

You are not up for grabs. You are spoken for.

MrsK's Review:

I was so thrilled when I saw a book by Robin ready to be reviewed, I knew that every book of Robin's that I open will be calming, inspiring, comfortable and so well written that I will be swept into the story that she weaves.  I first met Robin right after Christy Miller was published, I was able to meet up with her every year during our Author book sales in October.  I watched as her characters (Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen grew up and met those Sister Chicks as a preview copy).  Her books were featured in my classrooms and now in our school library.  It's always been a delight to meet another reader of Robin's, there is an instant smile that shines from their eyes... a bond that says we are instant friends... an acknowledging smile that confirms we are traveling on the same faith pathway... a connection that we have been touched by the talents, gifts, and wisdom of a woman after God's own heart. 

So I was ready to start my summer vacation with anticipation of enjoying moments with an author that is a special friend.  Little did I know the power of her touch until I opened the cover of Spoken For.  This is not a quick read.  This is a beautiful journey.  A journey within your self, a journey with friends, and a journey with our Creator.  Pondering the nuggets of wisdom can not do justice for the renewal and confirming nature of this book.  Robin's voice encourages and supports His love for you.  Alyssa's bright and crisp enthusiasm is contagious.  Spiritual joy bubbles forth through out your days as you journey through acceptance, healing, and a blessed assurance that is shared directly from His love.  

With personal witness connections, scripture passages, questions to contemplate... every chapter is a fresh beginning.  If you have read the Bible you will find a depth to passages you already know.  If you have not begun your scripture journey, this will be a beautiful introduction to a personal quest that will last you a life time.  Either way, take this journey with Robin, Alyssa, and all of us who are realizing the depth of being Spoken For.

Thank you ladies for including me in your journey's with His word, I will always be along this path with you....

 Read Chapter One

About Robin Jones Gunn

Robin’s first grade teacher wrote on her report card, “Robin keeps the entire class entertained at rug time with her stories.”

Even with such an early affirmation, Robin didn’t think much about becoming a writer during high school or college. She was more intrigued by the idea of traveling to foreign lands and telling people about God’s love.

But Robin’s husband also noticed her gift for storytelling and urged her to attend a writers’ conference. That first conference, in 1979, opened the door for publication of devotions, articles, interviews and 14 children’s books.

When her two children were young, Robin would rise at 3 a.m. and brew a pot of tea. Then she would go to work, creating stories for teens that later became the Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, and College Years books.

Amazing read
Added to my shelf

"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review." 

 

Robin Jones Gunn

Robin Jones Gunn, best-selling author of the much-loved Christy Miller Series and co-author of Praying for Your Future Husband, has had more than 4.5 million copies of her books sold worldwide. Her frequent speaking engagements have taken her around the globe. Robin and her husband live in Hawaii and have a grown son and daughter.
- See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=74963#sthash.dCZdcHtL.dpuf

Robin Jones Gunn

Robin Jones Gunn, best-selling author of the much-loved Christy Miller Series and co-author of Praying for Your Future Husband, has had more than 4.5 million copies of her books sold worldwide. Her frequent speaking engagements have taken her around the globe. Robin and her husband live in Hawaii and have a grown son and daughter.
- See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=74963#sthash.dCZdcHtL.dpuf