Book Review: A Letter To Evan by Roy Page

A Letter to Evan: An Average Dad's Journey of Discovery and Discernment Through Divorce

Author: Roy Page and Sarah Horton

Publisher: Lucid Books

Date: April 13, 2013





About the Author
Roy Page is CEO of Third Degree Advertising. His broad range of professional expertise includes brand development, strategic marketing, market analysis, and improving organizational success through effective communication. This is his first book.

Divorce Changes Everything
Roy Page was living a fairytale life. He had been married for almost 20 years to a woman he loved. He was blessed with two wonderful children, a successful business and financial status he never thought he could achieve.

Within two years, his father developed Alzheimer's Disease, his marriage failed and his business began to change and erode.

During this difficult time, Roy wrote his son a series of letters sharing his feelings, concerns and faith. He wrote about the difficult adjustments that everyone in his family had to make. Most importantly, he emphasized his love for his children and his desire to be the best father he could be.

My Thoughts
Men tend to keep their feelings bottled up. They like to be in control and don't want to admit they have problems dealing with life situations. Mr. Page did an excellent job describing his difficulties and explaining how he dealt with them.

The first priority in his life was to be a good father to his children. He shared how his Christian faith helped him move forward. He dealt with the guilt and sadness of being separated from his children and the fear that he would no longer have a close bond with them.

This book will inspire and motivate families in similar situations. Mr. Page has used these bad circumstances to grow and become a better father. He understands that the children's well-being should come before the parent's agendas.

This is truly a story of discovery and discernment. Recommended to all who are dealing with divorce and the problems that come with it.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary paperback copy of this book from B & B Media Group.

Book Review: The God Who Sees You

The God Who Sees You; Look To Him When You Feel Discouraged, Forgotten or Invisible.

Written by Tammy Maltby

With Anne Christian Buchanan.

Published by

David C. Cook.

Copyright
2012.

Do you remember a time in your life when you felt forgotten, ignored, rejected, or simply invisible?

About The Author

Tammy Maltby's multifaceted ministry can be summed up in one word: encouragement. Through her books, speaking events, and broadcasts, this Emmy-winning TV cohost encourages women to live more beautifully and transparently.

God Really Sees You

This book begins with the story of Hagar from Genesis 16 and 21. Hagar was a maidservant in the camp of Abram and Sarai. Sarai is unable to bear a son for Abram, so she compels Hagar to sleep with Abram in the hopes that the servant will produce a son for Sarai to raise. But when Hagar obeys and becomes pregnant, Sarai becomes jealous and abusive. Hagar runs away to the desert.

An angel appears to Hagar bringing a message from a God she barely knows. The angel says, "The Lord has heard of your misery."

He tells her to return to Abram and Sarai, have her baby, and name him Ishmael.

Ms. Maltby took the title of this book from the following Scripture;

She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her:
"You are the God who sees me,"
for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me."
Genesis 16: 13 

Tammy Maltby wants women to know their lives matter.  She invites you to explore the real-life implications of knowing God sees you, He loves you passionately, and He's intimately involved with every aspect of your life.

My Thoughts

I have been reading this book right before I go to bed for the past week. The book really opened my eyes and helped me understand that God sees me and cares about me ALL THE TIME.  He loves me and he wants to participate in my life.

This book will encourage those who feel like no one notices them, no one cares. I think we all feel like that at times. You will find hope and comfort in the pages of this book.

There is a section of "questions for thought and sharing" at the end of the book. These questions are excellent for individual or group study and meditation. This book is ideal for a women's group study or individual growth and fulfillment.

The author challenges readers with the following questions;

What would it take for you to say, "I have seen the God who sees me"?

What would it take to share this message with someone else?

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I ordered a digital copy of this book from Amazon.Com when it was offered as a FREE download. Please check the current price before ordering.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.



Book Review: Ten - How Would You Rate Your Life?

How would you rate your life on a fulfillment scale of one to ten?  "Ten; How Would You Rate Your Life"?, by Terry Smith, offers you a pathway to level-TEN living.

This book reminds us that God has a special future for each of us. Are you ready for your life to be a TEN?


About the Author
Terry A. Smith has served as a lead pastor of the Life Christian Church for twenty years. TLCC is a nondenominational faith community in West Orange, NJ, serving the New York City metro area. Terry is a co-founder of the New York City Leadership Center and an instructor in its Leadership Fellows program. A gifted communicator, Terry speaks in a variety of venues nationally and internationally. He is passionate about challenging, developing, and encouraging leaders.-

A Guidebook for the Journey
Pastor Smith has written a vibrant, inspiring book about how to find and live God's will for our lives. He believes that God has more in store for us than we realize and we must strive to create the best possible future for ourselves and others.

The book is divided into the following seven sections that instruct and guide the reader in living a TEN life;

• Awaken
• Discover
• Imagine
• Grow
• Act
• Lead
• Go

The author believes that people do not want enough. Not more stuff. More life. And not just for ourselves but also for others. Jesus Christ said that His purpose is to give us more "life - life in all its fullness" or "more and better life than [you] ever dreamed of" (John 10:10, NCV, MSG).

The author challenges and provokes the reader to go after the more and better life that God wants for you. The world needs people who would never be satisfied with anything less than a TEN.

My Thoughts
This book is written and organized in a very professional manner. The author makes a strong case for living your best life and he uses Scripture from the Bible as a foundation for his message.

There are "Reflection Questions" at the end of each of the seven sections. These questions are great for individual or group reflection and meditation. This book would be a very helpful resource for a Bible study group.

I love the enthusiasm and passion that the author communicates in this book. I can tell that this is a man who really "walks the talk" and "practices what he preaches". 

Pastor Smith believes we must have more than a dream. Our grand vision needs to be turned into an actionable plan. I recommend this book to anyone who is ready to start living a TEN life.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary hardback copy of this  book to read and review from Audra Jennings of The B & B Media Group.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: He Restores My Soul

Do you feel like the mistakes you have made in the past are keeping you from having a close relationship with God?
"He Restores My Soul; The Journey Of A Servant", by Randy S. Dean, Sr., is the story of how the author fell to the temptations of sexual addiction while serving as a Christian pastor.





About The Author
Randy S. Dean was born and raised in Los Angeles. At the age of 19, he received his calling to serve God as a minister of the gospel. In 1984, he served his country in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged after six years receiving various awards for his service including the Air Force Commendation medal. 
Pastor Dean currently serves as the Executive Assistant to Bishop Milton Herring with Advancing the Kingdom of God Ministries (ATKOG) based in Torrance, California.

The Lord Is My Shepherd
The title of this book is taken from the 23rd Psalm. The term "restores" suggests not the ending of a restoration process, but rather the continuation of it. To restore something suggests a previous state of unacceptable existence is changed back to it's original beauty. The author hopes this book will help restore and heal those who have experienced emotional and spiritual damage.

Randy Dean shares his personal story about how he fell to the temptation of sexual addiction and pornography while employed as a pastor at a Christian church. The author did not go into the graphic details of his addictions but he made it very clear that his bad behavior resulted in his divorce and the estrangement of his family.

The author uses passages from the Bible to explain the restoration and recovery process. This is a gradual journey that must be done with patience and faith. This book is for everyone who wants a closer relationship with God, but it is especially aimed at pastors and leaders in the church. This book offers help and hope to God's servants who feel isolated and alone with their shame.

My Thoughts
I want to thank Pastor Dean for having the courage to share his story and address this sensitive subject. People tend to have very high expectations of their church leaders and are shocked to find out that they have the same temptations and faults as everyone else. The good news is that God forgives sinners and we can also forgive ourselves.
This is a self-published book that is available in paperback and for the Kindle. Pastor Dean is not a professional writer but is very good at expressing thoughts and feelings from his heart. As I read this book, I felt like I was having a conversation with the author and he was talking directly to me. I could tell that the author has truly "walked the walk" and is now reaching out to help others.
I would like to share a quote from Bishop Milton S. Herring (printed on the back cover of the book) ~ "This book may be an answered prayer for you or someone you know." I agree.

My Rating: 5 Starts Out Of 5

FYI ~ Thank you to Randy Dean for sending me a complimentary paperback copy of this book to read and review.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Lift Up Your Eyes

I recently learned that a long-time family friend, Pastor Clyde Nichols, is working on a new book of daily Christian devotions.  The name of the book is "Lift Up Your Eyes".  Pastor Nichols is Minister Emeritus of First Christian Church, Temple, Texas, where he served as senior minister for 23 years from 1963 to 1986.  He is a graduate of Texas Christian University and Brite Divinity School.  He severed as an associate pastor at LaPorte (TX) Community Church during the 1990s.  My husband and I came to know Pastor Nichols very well during those years.  On November 21, 1991, Pastor Nichols performed the marriage ceremony for Dean and I.  On October 16, 1992, Pastor Nichols was by my side when I was rushed into emergency surgery after I was seriously injured by a drunk driver.  In 1993, Dean and I were baptized by Pastor Nichols at LaPorte Community Church. He was everything you could ask for in a pastor...he was with us during joy and sorrow.
Pastor Nichols' Christian devotions have been published in local newspapers for many years.  I am delighted to learn that his wisdom and inspiration will now be published in a book.  Here is a sample of the material that will be in the book.

Thomas A. Dorsey, often called the Father of Gospel Music, was born in Villa Rica, Georgia in 1899. His father was a Baptist minister, and his mother played the organ and piano wherever her husband preached.
Thomas quit school early and was soon hanging around theaters and dance halls. Musicians there encouraged him to practice at home on his mother’s piano. He did, and by the age of 12 was earning money playing at parties and private get-togethers.
He moved to Chicago, and in 1920 was married to Nettie Harper, but the demanding schedule of playing at night, working at other jobs during the day and studying in between, led to a nervous breakdown. He was unable to work for two years. In order to survive, Nettie took a job in a laundry to support them.
His uncle encouraged him to attend the National Baptist Convention. There he was impressed by the singing of W. M. Nix. He soon began composing sacred songs and was hired music director at Chicago’s Pilgrim Baptist Church, a position he held for nearly 40 years.
In 1932 they were living on Chicago’s South Side, and he and Nettie were expecting their first child. Thomas was scheduled to be the featured soloist for a revival in St. Louis. The second night, as he finished his solo, a Western Union messenger brought the news that Nettie had died along with their new born son.
He managed to get through the funeral service, but when it was over, he withdrew from his family, his friends, and even his beloved music. In despair, he sat one evening at the piano idly running over the keys when suddenly he felt at peace and found himself playing a melody he had not heard or played before. The words for it came into his head—just seemed to fall in place. What has been called “the greatest gospel song of all time” was born. People around the world know it, sing it, and love it because of its profound message of hope and faith.

Precious Lord, take my hand,

Lead me on, help me stand,

I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.

Through the storm, through the night,

Lead me on to the light,

Take my hand, precious Lord,

Lead me home.

Book Giveaway: Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer

I am going to give away another great book to celebrate the beginning of a brand new year.
I am giving away a paperback copy of Battlefield of the Mind; Winning the Battle in Your Mind by Joyce Meyer.  This was the first book that Joyce wrote and it is still one of her best selling books.
Joyce Meyer guides you through an honest self-appraisal by sharing the trials, tragedies and ultimate victories of her own marriage, family and ministry - including the truth she learned about what she was thinking and feeling every step of the way.  You'll gain insight into how Joyce won the battle in her own mind and how you can as well.

How To Enter
Just leave a comment on this blog and you will be entered to win this contest. Don't know what to write? Just tell me, "I want to read The Battlefield of the Mind!" That is all there is to it. On Friday, January 14th, I will draw a lucky name out of a hat. Please leave an email address so that I can contact you. You will have until the end of Monday, January 17th to respond to my email and send me your name and shipping address. If I do not hear from you, I will pick another name on Tuesday morning.

Who Can Enter
This contest is open to anyone age 18 or older. I am willing to ship this book (at my expense) to any location in the world so please do not hestitate to enter. I love my international readers. I ask that you just submit one entry per person.

Deadline
You must post a comment on this blog post no later than 12:00 noon (Central Time) on January 14, 2011.  I will announce the name of the winner on this blog the week after the drawing.

Follow Me!
I would love for you to push the "Follow" button and add your name to my group of loyal blog readers. If you are on Facebook, I now have a Networked Blogs widget that you can use.  However, this is not a requirement to enter this contest.

Joyce Meyer Washes Feet

Last night I attended a Joyce Meyer Conference at Lakewood Church in Houson, Texas.  Lakewood Church is a huge megachurch that is housed in the former basketball arena of the Houston Rockets.  There were probably around 10,000 people in attendance.
The evening began with praise music led by Martin Smith, lead singer and song writer from the former Christian rock band Delirious? .  The music was powerful and the audience members were on their feet during the entire 30 minutes of priase and worship.
At the end of the music, Joyce greeted the crowd and made her plea for support for her ministry.  She showed an emotional video of some of the work that the Hand Of Hope World Missions is doing to help the poor and sick people of the world.  It is truly amazing to see the hospitals, clinics, orphanages, schools and shelters that are a result of contributions to the Joyce Meyer Ministries.  A picture is worth a thousand words and the video did a wonderful job illustrating the work that  Joyce's world missions are doing.
The theme of conference was "Others" and Joyce Meyer used Scripture from John 13: 1-17 as the basis of her message.  Jesus washed his diciples's feet and Joyce said that all Christians should be servants.  Joyce took a towel and tied it around her waist and then got a pan of water.  She then acted out the Scripture by washing the feet of Martin Smith, an unknown lady from the audience and Dave Meyer.  It was really touching to see this world-famous Bible teacher down on her knees washing feet.  She made her point very clear ~ If Jesus Christ could humble himself and wash feet then so can we.
I thought it was interesting that Joyce mentioned her book, The Love Revolution, in the message last night.  She said that she considered this one of the best books that she has written but it has sold fewer copies than any of her other books that have been published in recent years.  I am giving away a copy of "The Love Revolution" next week on this blog.  Please enter to win!
I have been attending Joyce Meyer Conferences for the past eight years.  I am always inspired by Joyce's messages and last night was no different.  I have to say that Joyce seemed tired and didn't have the energy and pizazz that I have seen in other years.  She said that they had just returned from a trip to India and it appeared that she was still weary from this long journey. 
May the Lord bless and keep Joyce Meyer and her entire ministry team.

Book Review: Outlive Your Life

 
Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference, by Max Lucado, was sent to me in ebook form from Booksneeze to preview.  I have read several other books by Mr. Lucado, but I believe this book is my favorite.  The purpose of this book is to inspire people to take ACTION and start doing things to help other people.
Max Lucado is a best-selling Christian author and minister at Oak Hills Church  in San Antonio, Texas. Lucado has written more than 50 books with 65 million copies in print.

Near the beginning of this book, Mr. Lucado says that several years ago three disturbing questions rocked his world.  The first two questions were about events in the past so he could no longer respond to these problems.  The third question was about a situation that was very current and real.  The author was asked,

• When your grandchildren discover you lived during a day in which 1.75 billion people were poor and 1 billion were hungry, how will they judge your response?

Mr. Lucado fills his book with stories about how Christians all over the world have gone beyond the call of duty to do good for others.  The story that truly touched my heart was about Kris Hogan, the football coach at Faith Christian High School in Grapevine, Texas.  Coach Hogan's team would soon be playing a team from the Gainsville State School, a correctional facility for young offenders.  Coach Hogan recruited parents and friends from Grapevine to sit on the Gainsville team's bleachers and cheer from them.  The crowd went beyond the call of duty to make these young men feel important.  They truly broke down barriers that separate God's children from each other. We are advised not to let class, race, gender, politics, geography or culture hinder God's work.  When we cross the field and cheer for the other side, everyone wins.

This book will inspire and motivate you to live your faith.  Read this book and then get busy doing God's work!

Book Review - Fearless

"Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear", by Max Lucado, is a book that I needed to read. What would my life really be like without fear, worry and dred? Max Lucado teaches us how to use the teachings of Jesus Christ to deal with fear and life a free and rewarding life.

"Fear not." Those simple words are the basis of this book. Jesus said those words many times as he taught and ministered to people. This book examines many kinds of fear and then attempts to answer the question; "What would Jesus do?"

There is no magic formula for making feelings of fear go away. Prayer, reading the Bible and fellowship with other Christians will help us face and overcome our fears. We are not alone and we should not be ashamed of our fears.

Jesus said, "Take courage, I am here". (Matt. 14:27 NLT) I believe those words and I will make them my motto.

There is a study guide at the end of the book for individual or group use. I plan on going back and really working on the issues presented in this book. I can only imagine a life without fear - this book is a wonderful resource for making a "no fear" life a reality.