When the hurt runs deep by Kay Arthur

Kay Aurthur is a well respected author with many biblically sound books under her belt. This book is about life's deep hurts, pain, and suffering, and how to work through these life changing events with God and a sound knowledge of his character and the Bible and why He allows these things to happen in our lives. Kay uses her life experiences, along with numerous examples from other people's lives to show that everyone at some point will experience a deep hurt (in which she explains that God uses these experiences for good and growth). Each chapeter in the book is rooted in God's word and each topic is thouroughly studied along with scripture. Chapters such as "It wasn't supposed to be that way", "God's answer to our "why"?" and "Will the hurt every go away?" touch on every subject related to pain and suffering. I don't think I would give this to someone who has JUST experieced trauma or a deep hurt because it seems more geared toward someone who is ready and on the path to process the painful experience and move forward toward healing. This book had some great points and was a good book, although a seasoned Christian may find it a little repetetive and may not benefit as much as a newer unseasoned Christian. This book also has a study guide in the back for leading a bible study centered around the book, which would be a fantastic tool for a small group leader. 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."

Organized Simplicity: The Clutter Free Approach to Intentional Living

One of my friends was reading this, and I was intrigued. The author and her family decided they wanted to live overseas, and so they downsized dramatically, and live very simply so that they (the parents) can spend lots of quality time with their children and not be in bondage to things or acquiring things. She sets out a plan for simplistic living, along with advice on how to schedule your home, cleaning jobs (including how to purge and DEEP clean every room of your house) and how to do this in a way pleasing to God and his purpose. She is very organically bent, which I love, and gives home-made recipes in the back of the book for cleaning supplies and bath/body care. She teaches that you can have balance in career, family, home, etc. with daily planning and purpose. I LOVED this little book and I would recommend it to anyone, male or female. This book outlines in a simplistic manner step by step how to create order. I seriously wish more people would read this book as I am a real estate agent and see lots of homes that need some serious help in the home management department!Buy this book for yourself and a friend, you will be glad you did!

A Place Called Blessing: Where hurting ends and love begins

This story is a fictional follow up to John Trent's "The Blessing", to help enable the reader to understand how the information in "The Blessing" can be implemented in another's life. The story is based upon the sad life of Josh, who from the beginning suffers from parental neglect, and must be placed in foster care with his brothers, and then experiences extreme tragedy when he inadvertantly causes a death from a fire he sets. He then loses all hope, and suffers through life to adulthood. Then, by God's providence, he lands in an environment where he begins to experience The Blessing from those who are closest to him. By living the principles outlined in John Trent's original book "The Blessing", those surrounding Josh (along with God's divine purpose) change Josh's heart and he is transformed. I loved this book, and it was an enjoyable quick read, and a reminder to me that life can be really really tough, but God can change lives and hearts. 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."