Fatal Distractions, conquering destructive temptations by Kay Arthur

This is a bible study that focuses on six of the seven "deadly" sins. This study can be used individually, or in a group setting. I thought that the study was well laid out, and right to the point (which means right to the heart!). The format is such that in a group setting you don't have to do homework, but it is set up that you are diligently focusing on the "sin" you are discussing, learning about bible verses that address that particular sin, and reflecting on what you think about it, and how it is applicable in your life. I did this study on my own, and I really liked it. It probably would have been better in a group setting, as I went through it very fast and did not need the instructions like "circle this" "underline that". It is my recommendation that this is used in a group setting for maximum benefit, although God's word does not return void in any setting, so no matter how or where this study is done, it will have great benefit. 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".

Grieving Gods Way (A 90 day devotional) by Margaret Brownley

I decided to give this book to my friend. The reason I did this is because I previewed it, and decided it was worth a try to help her, as she just lost a close brother to suicide. When previewing this book, I loved how the author immediately relates to the reader because she lost her son. I loved her writing style, and how the book is put together with 90 days of thoughts/poems/statements to come alongside the reader in their grief. Death is a hard topic to speak to anyone about, but I felt like this book was a very nice way to say that I cared enough to try to help her, but not too much of a in your face "get over your grief" type of book. I don't think that the author is saying that this is the only way that God wants you to grieve, I think that she was just trying to focus it on a Christian audience, who may be more receptive to her messages throughout the book. As this book will probably not be THE book to help a person get over their grief, I only gave it three stars. As a gift it is lovely, it is not deep, it is not backed by psychology. It is just nice. 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".

Escaping the Cauldron by Kristine McGuire

The book was so interesting to me. I literally could not put it down! The author shows the reader through her book that she intensely struggled with Christianity vs. the occult. The author takes the reader into a personal journey that exposes real, raw and candid struggles that the author had in her life, and how she was drawn into occult practices, i.e. witchcraft, acting as a medium and ghost hunting, among other activities. Ms. McGuire shows the redeeming nature of Jesus, and how she eventually puts off these activities and embraces her Christian roots, and has peace and is now an on fire Jesus follower. Each chapter is thought provoking, and has points at the end for personal reflection or discussion if this book is used as a group study piece. It is a little scary to read, as her spiritual (demonic) accounts are truthful, but it is not so scary that a teenager could not read it (but not a child!). I was truly amazed at this story and how it ended, and that the author was trying to show the reader the truth, but not in a prideful way. She matter -of- factly states what happened to her, and presents her views with authority. She weaves bible scriptures throughout the book to lead the reader to search for the truth behind her statements, which is very helpful. Trust me - you will want to read this book, it is interesting, and eye opening! 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".

What a difference a mom makes by Dr. Kevin Leman

What a difference a mom makes - The Indelible Imprint a mom leaves on her son's life is a must read! This book is written by a Ph. D. who gives advice, information, and practical understanding for a mom into the life and workings of her son. I especially liked this book because I had three girls before I had my boy. Even though my son is very small, I can already tell that his physiology is different and that he will not be like his sisters. This book was funny to me because I do think boys are dirtier, louder, and this book explains the reasons why. I especially thought that the chapter that was titled, "Guess what his favorite body part is?" was very entertaining and enlightening coming from a mom that has very girly girls. If you need to learn about raising a boy the right way, or you are in the middle of the journey and need so practical and good advice, this is the book for you! You will not be sorry that you bought it! 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".

Everyday matters Bible for Women

Can you have a "favorite" bible? If so, then this one is mine! This New Living Translation bible is truly fabulous. This bible is specifically geared towards women, and busy women at that (but aren't we all busy!?). Major themes are introduced in a relatable and practical way, and essential spiritual foundations are taught. There are twenty four topics examined throughout, including simplicity, mentoring, acceptence, etc.and they are color coded so you can find what you are looking for quickly. There are over 140 amazing contributors who make impactful statements of interest including Philip Yancey and Kay Warren. I received the hardback copy and it is illustrated so beautifully, I really feel so happy every time I look at it! If you are looking for yourself or for a gift for a woman that you love, you will not regret purchasing this wonderful Bible created in partnership with Christianity Today's womens magazine. I received this Bible in return for an honest 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".

From the Library of C.S. Lewis

From the Library of C.S. Lewis - Selections from writers who influenced his spiritual journey compiled by James Stuart Bell is a hard hitting, extremely in-depth compilation of the masters of literature. This book is not an easy read, but it is a true reflection of the true masters of literature that influenced C.S. Lewis, as everything in this book was pulled from his actual library collection. This book is divided by topic into eighteen chapters, with the literary selections fitting into the appropriate chapter. Each selection is one page long, and authorship ranges from 1200 AD to early 20th century. I did not recognize many authors besides Martin Luther, but I have not studied this type of literature (to my detriment of course!). This is not a book that you sit down and read cover to cover. This is a book that you must actively focus on what is being said - and then you must think about it some more. It is not an easy read by ANY means, and I did not necessarily learn much about why these pieces of literature influenced Lewis other than that they are classics - but I did get a taste of many different writers whom I would NEVER have read from had I not been presented with this format and material. If you have a major bookworm in your sphere, then this would be a great collector's piece. I am rating this four stars because of the material presented, but not necessarily for the ease of reading it. 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".

Eyes of Justice by Lis Wiehl

This is the final novel in the Triple Threat Club series, a highly suspenseful and dramatic crime series by Lis Wiehl. Without giving too much away, one of the members of the Triple Threat Club is no longer an active part of the storyline, and a new member is introduced and developed in this story. An elusive and cunning cold-blooded killer is hunting the Triple Threat girls, and the brutality exhibited toward the characters is unsettling to say the least. Christian messages are discreetly woven within the story, and overall it is interesting and fast paced. I didn't really like the fact that one of the previous members was taken out of this story, and I also didn't like it as much as the last book in the series, which was a five star read. Overall, you should read this if you want to finish the series, but otherwise it would be a confusing read. 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".