Life, in spite of me by Kristen J. Anderson

This is an amazing inspiring story about a seventeen year old girl struggling with depression, who made a decision to lay down on her neighborhood railroad tracks to end her life. Amazingly, God spared her life,but she lost her legs. From the very first chapter, the reader feels extreme empathy for the author, Kristen, as she recounts the horrific events surrounding her suicide attempt. Kristen should have died that night, but God had other plans. She brings the reader along in recounting her journey toward hope and healing, and ultimately ending with her salvation and the amazing life God had planned for her. My heart broke for this young woman, and through her story, I felt a deeper understanding for those who struggle with depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies. I absolutely loved this book. I was inspired and moved by this story, and feel that anyone who has a relationship with someone who struggles with depression or has teens in the home who may become depressed due to the world we live in should read this book! It is also an eye opener for someone who would like a greater understanding in ministering to others.This book will tug at your heart and increase your compassion, I challenge you to read it! I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado

Cure for the Common Life is a book geared toward those who are struggling with their position in life, and/or those who are unhappy in their current profession (or lack of). Lucado states the obvious: unless your last name is Hilton or Gates, men and women must work. His suggestion is to find your "sweet spot" or the place where you, your talents, and God all intersect to create the highest potential of personal fulfillment. Lucado brings in many examples to show how some people are not using their strengths for maximum success, but allowing the world to dictate who we are and what we should be doing. God uniquely creates each individual for His ultimate purpose, and the author suggests that we as individuals need to diligently seek out what it is that we should be doing - and not doing something for glory, greed, position, etc. - but also not falling into the trap of not doing anything at all. Some suggestions included changing your attitude to that of a servant, playing up to your strengths, and daily taking away the focus on what you can do on your own, but what you can do for God. I thought that he was very helpful in guiding the reader to a better understanding toward work and personal strengths. I did not necessarily learn anything new, but this would be a great book for someone just starting out in the self-help book arena who is searching for some answers toward work and personal fulfillment with a Christian perspective. I received this e-book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Blessing By John Trent and Gary Smalley

The Blessing, Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance is a great book for anyone in any kind of relationship, but especially beneficial in the parent/child relationship. The premise of the book surrounds itself around the biblical Jacob and Esau story, with only one brother receiving a blessing from his father, and how important a parent's blessing is in a child's life. The authors do an amazing job with bringing in real life stories of people who didn't experience a "blessing" from one or both of their parents, and the tremendous negative effects this had on their lives. The authors teach that there are five elements in blessing others: 1. Meaningful Touch 2. A Spoken (or written) Message 3. Attaching High Value 4. Picturing a Special Future 5. An Active Commitment. These things must all be done to create a thriving environment for a child - with lasting lifelong results. The authors also touch on families that miss out on these opportunites and what can be done in those instances, along with practical steps to implement a blessing in a relationship. I have read the five love languages and thought this might be similiar, but it was different and a very eye opening read. I am definately going to implement their thoughts and suggestions in my relationships, with great expectations of a positive outcome. I think this book should be read by all. I received this e-book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Jesus, My Father, The CIA and Me by Ian Morgan Cron

I initially thought this book would be very suspenseful, dramatic, and full of twists because of the title. But, after finishing the first chapter, I realized this book was not about the CIA, but about a man reflecting back upon his childhood trying to make sense of a broken, dysfunctional family living with an alcoholic father (who happened to work on and off for the CIA). The author (Ian) goes back to his youth and immerses the reader in the trauma of a child desperately trying to seek approval, affection, and acceptance from his alcoholic father - which he never gets. Ian recounts many boyhood instances of struggle and survival, all the while struggling with his relationship with God and not understanding God's character. The author spirals into the pit of depression, anxiety, drugs, and alcoholism himself, until coming to terms with his father's issues, and resolving his relationship with God. I felt extreme empathy for this individual, and felt somewhat more understanding toward the alcoholism family dynamic. Although this book was not what I thought it was going to be, it ended up being an interesting read. I received this e-book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Love and War by John and Stasi Eldredge

John and Stasi Eldredge have been married for over twenty five years, and know without a doubt, that marriage is difficult. The premise of this book is that marriage can be wonderful, but also is "fabulously hard". By using their real life experiences, John and Stasi both contribute wisdom in this book by sharing how God (and the Enemy) has worked in their marriage. They candidly share their faults and sin issues that led to deep hurts and struggles in their marriage. They bring biblical truths in showing what God purposes for marriage (not your personal happiness!)to bring reality to the reader.It is sobering to realize through the chapters how much work marriage really is and how much continual effort is involved for the LONG HAUL. They do cite that although many marriages do stay together, they are loveless and lifeless. As they have done in their other books, I enjoy their life perspective that this journey is an adventure, one to be lived with a courageous and adventurous heart. Since I have personally experienced the negative side of marriage from a past divorce and also am experiencing a marriage that is full of life, I felt that their input was spot on. I love all of their books, and recommend all of them.I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Money Secrets of the Amish by Lorilee Craker

Lately I have become interested in the Amish people therefore was very interested in reading this e-book. The author spent time interviewing families in an Amish community to try to learn why the Amish prosper, even during a down economy. Throughout the book the author compares her lack of budgeting, not enough savings, and high consumerism ethic to that of the Amish - who recycle, use an item to the hilt, and make do or do without. The author touches on topics including waiting for something you want, paying on time, making your own gifts, saving (10-20% of your monthly income), recycling, living debt free, and making your food from scratch (along with buying in bulk and organic at local farms or farmers markets). I thought is was really neat that within the e-book I was able to click on the web resources and was taken directly to the websites mentioned. I also really enjoyed how candid the author was in her admissions of her (lack of) budgeting skills and her enthusiasm for change toward the Amish model (to a point). I especially liked how reflective she was in how her children were being trained to always want more and in excess, instead of being content with what they had. I was personally encouraged by all of the suggestions because our family already does most if not all of the tidbits, or "secrets" she learned from the Amish people - although I don't think they are necessarily secrets, just common sense practical ways to thrive with the money you have earned and want to save. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs to change their way of thinking less toward consumerism. After all, because of the U.S. Recession, saving money and being frugal and resourceful is cool - FINALLY!

I received this e-book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."