In Full

Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God- Sheila Walsh-

2010-03-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

I have heard Sheila Walsh speak and loved her! This book, Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God, was a delightful read. She begins by sharing some of her personal struggles with clinical depression which led to a crash. She describes God as a Lamb who sat beside her and lead her through one of the most difficult periods in her life. With God's help, Sheila was able to recover and become a strong and vital member of the Women of Faith team.

Sheila uses her own story, as well as some key Biblical characters, to reveal the battle that having enough faith can be. As believers struggle to make the most of difficult situations, Sheila Walsh writes to remind us that we are not alone. We are not responsible for what happens to us, but how we follow Christ through our trials. He is there, and wanting to lead. We just need to have enough faith to follow even when we can't see where he is taking us.

This book spoke to many moments of personal struggling and questioning for me. It provided me some opportunities to take an honest look at some of the reasons I don't choose to trust God when I know he is calling me to. In the end, it will not matter the comforts I have chosen on earth. What a great reminder to keep my heart and mind focused on the things that will last when everything else fades away.

I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to be challenged in their faith, and maybe even step out of their comfort zone. A very motivating read!

(This book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers through their blogger review program- http://booksneeze.com/)

This is your Brain in Love

2010-01-07T09:27:00.001-08:00

In his new book, This is Your Brain in Love, Dr. Earl Henslin takes a close look at the biological factors that deeply affect our intimate relationships. Sharing many first hand examples from his counselling practice, Dr. Henslin attributes many of the problems encountered by couples on brain dysfunctions. He outlines five different types of lovers, and describes in detail some characteristics that identify each. At the beginning of each of the five chapters, there is a checklist provided in order to determine how you connect to your spouse. At the end of each chapter, Dr. Henslin gives some tips to improve the drawbacks of each type of brain. He also offers suggestions for the spouse in relating to each brain type.

Overall, I was very disappointed in this book. Although it offered some great tips, Dr. Henslin really pushes the idea of having a brain scan in order to determine the biological functioning of your specific brain. I do not think this is practical for the average person. I think this book could be helpful to enrich a marriage after that initial infatuation fades; however, I would not recommend relying heavily on it for those who are having marital difficulties.

On a positive note, the book is very well written and easy to read. It is a groundbreaking idea that warrants further research.

(This book was provided by http://booksneeze.com/)

The Language of Love and Repect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

2009-11-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

Have you ever fought with your spouse, and after it was over, wondered what you were arguing about? Have you ever felt unloved, disrespected, or misunderstood by the person whom you love the most? If you answered yes to any of these things, you may appreciate reading The Language of Love and Respect. Based on the principles found in his book entitled Love and Respect, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs explores the vastly different communication needs of men and women.

In the first chapter, Dr. Eggerichs gives an overview of his book Love and Respect; although the book itself shares a lot of overlap with Love and Respect. He then outlines some effective communication principles. Finally, he describes the three cycles that most couples find themselves in. His theories are based completely on biblical truths. I think that whether you are looking to enrich your marriage, or in need of some drastic changes, that this book has some very useful and practical applications.

The Tallest of Smalls, By Max Lucado (illustrated by Maria Monescillo)

2009-10-29T16:47:00.001-07:00

I just recently got this book, and loved it!

In his newest children's book, The Tallest of Smalls, Max Lucado introduces us to a world of characters very much like ourselves. The streets of Stiltsville come alive at night with 'too smalls' who compete in order to see who is better. Some never get a chance at all. By luck, the main character, Ollie, is selected to be in the 'cool crowd', but things quickly unravel when he fails to meet the expectations placed on him by those in the group.

Max Lucado delivers the message of acceptance in a simple and eloquent manner. He offers hope to those who don't fit in, who can't keep up, and who feel worthless. It is the reminder that Jesus loves us just as we are. With beautiful and whimsical illustrations, this book is written for children; however I think it is a 'must-read' for anyone who has ever felt that they didn't quite measure up.

(This book can be purchased at http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/