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."

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."