Book Review: Whatever Is Lovely

This came at the right time because I was looking for a new Bible study to do to start the year.

When I started reading it, I noticed that this is a book mostly focused for the teenage girl.

However, as a 30-something woman, I often find that these seem to speak to me better than a lot of the other Bible Studies out there.

This was no different. The devotionals are short but informative enough to really grasp the concept and the verse for that day. I also like the journal entries. I received the e-book version, so it took a little longer for me to enter my entries because I had to type everything on a tablet (fun fun...). It's a nice keep sake though, if I ever decide to do it again. Doing a paperback journal, if you write in it, you sometimes run out of room. However, with a digital version, you can date your entry, and just keep adding on for all the times that you decide you want to complete the devotional. It's nice to see how you've grown from the previous time(s) you completed it.

Book Review: Univitied

A friend had recommended this book to me a few months ago. At first when she told me about it, all I could think of was, "Great - yet another Christian book that tells the same old thing; just a new cover and different author."  I told her that I would check it out. I never did.

Enter Book Look Bloggers a couple weeks later when I went to go look for a new book to read and review.

I thought to myself, Ok - there must be a reason why this book was placed in my path. I'll bite...

When I started reading this, my heart was very closed off because I automatically fell into the thought of how this was going to be just like every other Christian book out there.

I was very wrong.

Lysa has a way about getting into the heart and reaching out like she was speaking directly to you, sitting across the table, sipping a latte at a local cafe.

I knew I was dealing with a lot of resentment and anger issues from problems in my past, but man - it really hit me hard once I started reading more and more. I learned how to let go of things that bothered me. Learned that it's ok to be "uninvited" because I am loved by someone greater than any human heart could imagine.

If you are struggling with past experiences, and they are holding you back and putting a blcok on your heart and forcing you to not let others in, I highly recommend reading this book.

Book Review: Doodletopia Fairies

I love to draw.

And I thought this would be a fun book to look at and try.

The drawings are very simple. It's great for kids who are looking for something more than just coloring books. It helps to boost the creativity. Lots of different fairies to draw.

31 Verses to Write on Your Heart: Book Review

I love to have encouraging messages - especially with the things that I have going on in my life right now.

This little book came at a great time.

31 verses. One verse per chapter. Super quick 5 minute devotional before your feet even in the floor in the morning, or calming right before you close your eyes at night.

I have read a lot from Liz Curtis Higgs in the past. Her way with words is extraordinary and easy to relate to. She gets "down" to your level, and a lot of times it feels like that particular verse was written for you, on that particular day, at that particular time.

A lot of the verses are ones that have been memorized through the years and are already planted on the hearts of many. However, you can never have too many reminders to get back to the Truth.

This is a good book for the seasoned believer or to the person that is searching and new.

Review: Faith and Work Bible

I love having Bibles - even Bibles of the same version. I do so much note taking in my Bible, and also do art journaling, so I joke that I need a whole library of Bibles :)

What is special about this version is throughout the Bible, there are stories to help strengthen and encourage the reader, pulling from real-life experiences who are facing similar situations. There are also articles from top Christian leaders to learn Biblical basics and help integrate them into your own life.

While I'm more of a study Bible person (and I have a few of them), I do like the articles and stories that are given to help me dig deeper into my faith and trust in God. I've been dealing with some very difficult things, and the stories have helped me to reflect on the things going on and find peace in each circumstance.

Natural Color: Book Review

As someone that is learning to spin fibers for knitting/crocheting, I wanted to find dyes that were natural and stay away from all the chemicals as possible as I am trying to be more of a naturalist.

I was so excited when this book popped up on Blogging for Books - I jumped at the chance to review it!

As soon as I opened the book, I was drawn in by all the pretty pictures (I'm easily distracted by such things!). I quickly flipped through and couldn't believe all the information.

I stopped a few times to look at some of the instructions and directions and most seemed fairly easy to follow - especially for a beginner like me.

I love how the author used so many different plants, herbs, veggies/fruits to create so vibrant colors!

There are so many different ideas that I am getting that I can wait to try them all!

Forever Doon: Book Review

AH! I am so, so sad to see this series end.

I know it was your average teenage love story. It was also the average writing style, spoken as a teen would speak (at least I would believe so), but I had so much fun reading (and re-reading the previous books to relive the tale).

This series was full of fantasy, tales, love stories, action, and drama. While it was similar to other stories out there, I still felt this was very whimsical and ended on a great note.