~Book Review: Discovering God Through The Arts by Terry Glaspey~

 “When we ask little from the arts, we will likely receive little in return. But if we allow them to do so, they can enrich our walk with God in life-changing ways.” Terry Glaspey

This book is a great starting point to begin to experience various art forms as companions along our spiritual path. Chances are, most of us may have already experienced the wonder and mystery of God through books, paintings, music, film, and more. Terry Glaspey helps us pay more attention, dig for deeper meanings, find comfort, and even awaken a passion for justice through the arts. I particularly enjoyed his insights on famous paintings included in the book. I only wish the images had been full glossy pages. But this will motivate me to investigate them further through online sites and library books. I was happy to see that a list of resources were included in the final chapter. I will be referring to this regularly, as I look for books, music, poetry, and visual art. Hopefully this list will be updated at some point with more current musical artists. Glaspey’s writing is very accessible, like a knowledgeable, good friend walking alongside, pointing out what I may otherwise have missed. Highly recommended.

I received this book free from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. Grateful!

Book Review: Becoming Sage

 Our faith changes as we get older. Have you noticed? Do you have experiences and questions that could only have come out of the soil of midlife and beyond?  

Michelle Van Loon, in Becoming Sage: Cultivating Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality in Midlife, explains how our faith journey can be described in stages, based on the work of Janet Hagberg, Robert Guelich, and James Fowler.  These stages from the 'infancy of first belief until the final, self-giving love of a matured faith" each carry their own sets of challenges and tasks. Van Loon describes these stages simply and weaves these truths throughout the book.  

I found her book very readable and relatable. As we get older and experience more - highs and lows, serendipities and deep disappointments - we will grow in wisdom if we allow ourselves to let go of preconceived ideas about how our lives should have played out. We release the grip we have held on so tightly, trying to do everything 'right', hoping for expected outcomes. We realize that Jesus walks with us each step of the way, through the messes and the miracles. Our focus doesn't necessarily look like 'doing great things for God', but being faithful in making the world a better place, laying down our lives for others in simple ways, and becoming more comfortable with being loved by God, no strings attached. We don't have to be 'productive' to be loved. We never have.  As we get older, we are able to use our personal experiences to go deeper with God and others. 

"Maturity is forged from the beautiful and terrible and mundane stuff of our lives as we seek to crawl, stand, walk, and run with Jesus on our way to Real."  

Becoming Sage is an honest,  hopeful book, and one that will encourage those in the second half of life. If you are questioning and looking back at your life, as well as looking ahead, this book will be a great companion. 

Thanks to  Moody Publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Your Future Self Will Thank You

Personal growth is an ongoing interest of mine, and when I came across Drew Dyck's Your Future Self Will Thank You,I was intrigued. I've heard Drew Dyck several times on a podcast I enjoy, and he is funny! A book that can talk about self-control, the Bible, and brain science, all while making me chuckle is worth taking the time to investigate. 

This is not a preachy book by any means. Drew Dyck honestly writes about his fruitless efforts to complete goals, practice self-control, and learn new habits to improve his life and what research has taught him. This fact-based book makes it very trustworthy. There is evidence to prove that what he suggests works. He intersperses each chapter/topic with his own real life situations and how he did or did not succeed in his efforts, and why.

 If you’re looking for some practical tips on how to create a habit loop, how to grow (and replenish!) your willpower, and how to conquer your weaknesses, this is the book for you. There are a lot of gems in here, and it will be worth your while to learn the secrets to self-control. Who doesn’t want to be freer, happier, and more productive, as well as being more at peace?

I received this book for free from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away

I've been married over 35 years and still learning how to live together with someone so very different from ... ME! As well, I don't have to look too long and too far to find someone who is struggling or living in a difficult marriage. I'm sure you can say the same.

So, when the book  loving your spouse when you feel like walking away by Gary Chapman became available to review, I ordered it.

 Can I change my spouse? Are misery and divorce the only options in a difficult or broken marriage? Am I a failure because my marriage is a mess?

This is a book that offers hope in situations where one is tempted to give up on their marriage (and with good reason). Chapman lists the myths we often believe, often without even being aware of them. The he counters them with his 'reality living' principles. It takes determination and work, but things can change.

Difficult marriage categories highlighted include abusive, apathetic, and disconnected spouses. These categories include those who are workaholics, depressed, controlling, abusive, unfaithful, and more. If you are struggling, you will probably find encouragement included in these pages.

Chapman gives examples of those whose marriages have turned around and those who haven't. He clearly states that some may need more professional help. The bottom line is that there is HOPE for those who are desperate.

I would highly recommend this book if you want to improve your marriage, whether you've been married one year or fifty years!  As well, it's a great one to pass on to a friend who might be struggling and is feeling very hopeless.Who knows, it may make a world of difference.  In a world where marriages don't often make it, this book really does give hope.

Thanks to Moody Publishers for this free resource in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Born to Wander

Do you consider yourself  a spiritual tourist, settler,  pilgrim or spiritually aimless?

In Born to Wander, Michelle Van Loon shows us the value of our pilgrim identity, as she walks us from Genesis through to Revelation, identifying pilgrimage throughout. It is a part of our identity and purpose as God's people. Security is not our purpose in life, but rather finding rest in the wandering that we all experience in our lives. She shares her thoughts on the meaning of contentment,  what our true identity is, hope, and where our wandering takes us. All of our stories and journeys are different, depending on so many things including our personalities, passions, and circumstances. Our lives involve moral, physical, and interior pilgrimages, and when centered on God, we have purpose, and transformation occurs.

 I especially loved the prayers at the end of each chapter - they were powerful and helpful in summarizing each chapter. As well, there are study questions for each chapter, which makes this book a great one to read along with a friend. 

A lot of study and research has gone into this book and I didn't find it a quick read. I appreciated definitions of key words focusing on Greek roots.  This book is one to read or reread  with a pencil in hand. Recommended! 

"We are born to wander, but we are born again to wander home". Michelle Van Loon

 This book was provided free by Moody Publishers, in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Moody! 

Book Review: Humble Roots

During a season (who am I kidding--it's ongoing!!)  of learning about humility, I chose to read Humble Roots. The beautiful cover alone enticed me to read the book. And I do love plants and the *idea* of a large, productive garden, even though in real life, mine is far from that!

Humble Roots by Hannah Anderson focuses on the importance of humility in finding peace in our lives. Focusing on plant and garden life, Anderson shares about stress vs trust, submitting to God, being okay with not knowing everything, accepting imperfection, waiting for God, brokenness, new life, and more. 

The chapters and topics didn't 'flow' as well as I had hoped; thus, I didn't find this a totally satisfying read. Nevertheless, the wisdom and insights shared were gentle and encouraging. 

If you're a person who loves to get your hands into the soil, you may find the relationship between soil and humility engaging. 

This book was provided free by Moody Publishers, in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Moody! 

Book Review: Growing Up Social

The average American child and teenager spends at least 53 hours a week with technology, directly in front of screens. That's a lot more time than they spend interacting with parents and other people. This world of constant digital distraction and attention (screens are everywhere!) means that children aren't growing up the way we did. Memories of playing in back yards, bushes, and other 'wild places' might be absent from today's childhood. Curling up with a good book, being read to, and participating in family discussions are not part of many of today's children's experiences.

Gary Chapman. and Arlene Pellicane have written Growing Up Social to empower parents to make positive changes, away from an over-dependence on screens. They include how to teach skills that every healthy person needs to master: affection, appreciation, anger management, apology, and attention. Love languages are also covered. This book helps parents set a healthy balance so that their family can live with screen time, not for it. This will not happen unless there is intentionality and this book is the ticket to practical help.

In many ways, this is much more than a book about living with technology today. It's about how to have a healthy family in a world where varied distractions take us away from the relationships we value the most. I'm sure we have all experienced times when we haven't felt valued by those we love. This book includes practical ideas, quizzes, and discussion questions to help families focus on  and show respect to each other.

This book is relevant to anyone who values their relationships with those closest to them and is willing to take steps to improve communication, resulting in a healthy balance between digital and face to face communications.

This would be a great gift for those with young children. In this ever changing, challenging world, parents need all the help they can get in raising healthy, well adjusted, happy children.

I received this book free from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Christian Book of Mystical Verse

My early church experience was quite conservative and traditional, which included singing hymns, reciting the Apostles' Creed,  and singing the Doxology at the end of every Sunday church service. Looking back, I am so thankful for this part of my faith walk, which I now see as very rich and grounding. It gave me an anchor that I still hold onto, even though  I consider myself nondenominational now (read: I don't really fit in any box!) It seems the older I get, however,  the more I value liturgy and prayers written by others. Although they can easily become 'just words', they also can be very meaningful, encouraging, and inspiring.

Which is why  The Christian Book of Mystical Verse  piqued my interest. It's a collection of Poems, Hymns, and Prayers for devotional reading, compiled by A.W. Tozer, author of several classic devotionals This book has a very attractive cover, as well, which initially drew me to it.

First published in 1963, this was book written for the purpose of private devotion. What exactly does Tozer mean by 'mystic'? He refers to the "evangelical mystic who has been brought by the gospel into intimate fellowship with the Godhead. His theology is no less and no more than is taught in the Christian scriptures. He walks the high road of truth where walked of old prophets and apostles, and where down the centuries walked martyrs, reformers, Puritans, evangelists, and missionaries of the cross... He is quietly, deeply, and sometimes almost ecstatically aware of the Presence of God in his own nature and in the world around him".

The hymns and poems, (most of which I am unfamiliar with)  "... cover almost the full spectrum of religious feeling... The mood runs from near despair to near ecstacy.." I think we can all relate to varied emotions and struggles in our faith walk, as do these writers.

Some of the authors contained in this collection include: Isaac Watts, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Christina Rossetti, Charles Wesley, William Faber, Jeanne Marie de la Motte-Guyon, and Bernard of Clairvaux.

For those who value old hymns and poets from the past, this will be a welcome addition to your library. You will be sure to find a few treasures in this book.

Thanks to Moody Publishers for this free book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Married and Still Loving It

"A good marriage is a gift. It is grace: undeserved, unmerited favour. It should humble us every day." 

Married and Still Loving It by Gary Chapman and Harold Myra is a book written to encourage those in the second half of life, married for a good number of years, to navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of being together for so many years. With the realities of aging: health limitations (for our parents, ourselves, and even possibly our children), money worries, the future for our children, and more--there will be challenges.  In a time where being married for a lifetime is becoming an oddity, it's great to read a book that is both honest and hopeful--yes, a lifelong happy marriage is attainable.

Actually, I think this book would be a great gift to those who have only been married a few years. Once the 'honeymoon' phase is over, can a couple stay happily married through the good, the bad, and the ugly? The real life examples in this book show couples at any stage of marriage how to accomplish this. 

If I was going to put the advice in a nutshell, it would be along the lines of being a servant to your spouse (not a doormat, but a servant). For details on what this looks like practically, read the book. This book is full of excellent examples of navigating very difficult circumstances. 

I heartily recommend this book, especially if both spouses read it discuss it, and work together to make the necessary changes. Otherwise, it might just become another good read. 

A good marriage is a gift, but it does take work to make it that way.

I received this book free from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Moody!

Happy Leap Day!

The sun is shining.
Got in a morning walk.
Enjoyed a cup of coffee and some quiet time.
And... a review book arrived in the mail!

That's a good way to begin today.
There are so many books on how to begin a marriage on the right foot. Practices to keep it going. Date night ideas. Keeping families strong.  Empty nesting. And I have several on my shelves (or have had and passed them on).

But I haven't found too many that are specifically focused on life together in the 'second half'. Not just theoretical how-to, but real life -- with the challenges and joys that come with aging.

That's why I am very  interested in reading this:

I hope that it's honest, practical, realistic, and super encouraging. I am planning to go the distance and some days..well..  I need all the help I can get!

Book Review: Farewell Four Waters

Kidnapping was Marie's worst fear. She didn't know treachery was more deadly.

Book recommendation coming up. Farewell Four Waters by Kate McCord (a protective pseudonym), is full of intrigue and emotion. Although security prohibits the telling of her exact story, this novel is drawn from events gathered across Afghanistan over several years.

Marie is an aid worker living in a small town in Afghanistan. Her mission is to set up literacy classes for women.  This riveting story begins with Day 14 and then counts down the days leading to this brave woman's necessary escape from Afghanistan, a place she deeply loved and considered home.

This story is full of many details and excellent descriptions of life in this country  - for both Christian aid workers in NGOs and for the Afghan people. I felt as if I were there every step of the way. Marie, a believer in the "Honorable Jesus Messiah", has a passion for bettering the lives of women in Afghanistan, and with deep respect for their customs and beliefs, she befriends them through loving deeds and conversations.

I especially appreciated her honest struggles related to the events and circumstances she experienced. She incorporated conversation with God through journaling and prayers, not hiding her frustrations and how hard it was to make sense of things at times. Where was Jesus in the middle of all of it?  I also loved learning about this land and culture and what life is like for foreign aid workers.

This book drew me in and it never let up until I finished the last page. It is well worth the read!

I'm really looking forward to reading Kate McCord's first book In the Land of the Blue Burquas. Another book to request at the library!

Thanks to Moody Publishers who sent me this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Winter In Full Bloom

Once upon a time, I wrote a NaNoWriMo novel about identical twin sisters separated at birth. I'm telling you that only to say that when I saw this book available for review, it piqued my interest! I found the cover attractive, as well, and sometimes I do judge a book (initially) by its cover.

At a crossroads in her life, 39 year old empty nester and widow Lily Winter decides to head to Australia to search for her identical twin sister, who was raised by another family. With the help of a handsome, single stranger, she reunites with her sister Camille. But reunions aren't as easy as they seem. And everyone seems to have some sort of baggage to work through as they work towards a happy ending. Will Lily find love again? Will Camille and Lily be able to forgive and heal from a painful past? Will Marcus Averill deal with his own inner demons? Will Dragan change her name? ;) Winter In Full Bloom by Anita Higman answers these questions (except the last one) and more.

This book began somewhat slow, with many details and conversations that seemed unnecessary, and I contemplated not finishing it (I don't usually continue reading books that don't grab me in the first few chapters -- I am a little ADD that way). The characters and situations sometimes pushed the boundaries of realism. Several times I found myself asking, "Would people really say this? Would people really DO this? Would this REALLY happen?" I enjoy realistic contemporary fiction and I wasn't too sure this was going to be that. I pushed through, however, and honestly, it got somewhat better as the story moved along. There were some plot surprises, which helped to keep my interest.

Those who enjoy Hallmark movies would probably really enjoy this book (I am not a Hallmark movie buff). There are enough twists and turns later in the book to keep one interested and a hopeful ending is anticipated. Issues are faced, forgiveness is extended, and healing begins. How that all happens is why you want to read the book! If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction, which includes a little romance and wraps up quite neatly, you will want to check this out.

This book was received free from Moody Publishers, in exchange for an honest review.

The Anxious Christian

I heard an interview with Rhett Smith not long ago, and decided to review his book The Anxious Christian, sent to me free from Moody Publishers, in exchange for an honest review.

It was refreshing to read something that didn't come from the perspective of anxiety/worry being a sin, followed my admonitions to 'be anxious for nothing', and calmness would settle in.  I wish it were that easy. 

Being anxious about an event or life circumstance doesn't mean there is something wrong with one's faith. Rather, Smith believes that anxiety can be what causes us to lean into God and trust Him, thus being a catalyst for moving forward in life. Anxiety is a human condition, although some struggle more with it than others. Although the book did not explain the spectrum of anxiety, I do believe there is one. There is worry and then there is debilitating ANXIETY and a whole host of degrees of anxiety in between. At least, that's how I perceive it. 

One can choose how to deal with anxiety. There is a) the hiding, pretending all is fine, but feeling shame and b) honesty and working through it.  Anxiety is what can propel us to fight against living a 'safe life' in the comfortable ruts we have made, never daring to face our fears. But, as we know, the less we face our fears, the bigger they grow. And our lives can become stagnant, only a shadow of what they could be. It's a daily choice to walk through fear and 'grab life'. Some days are more successful than others! 

One particular truth from this book jumped out at me, based on Jeremiah 18: 1-6 where God tells Jeremiah to go observe the potter working with the clay.  Smith shared what his grandmother said to him when he was young. "Do you know that when a potter is working with the clay he never takes his hands off the clay as he is shaping it... and do you know the good Lord never takes His hands off of us?"  That was a great reminder that God is ALWAYS with us through the tough times. We don't walk through them alone. 

This book was encouraging, caring, and honest, a good reminder of the importance of working through anxieties. Included are end of chapter questions, activities and prayers, which would be especially helpful in a small group study. 

The Anxious Christian is well worth the read and is a good introduction to the healthy Christian view of anxiety and how God can use it for good.  For a more in depth study, I would recommend the book The Good News About Worry by Dr. William Backus.