You know what time it is.... Bookworm time!
Lately, I've been focusing on slowing down and enjoying each day. I don't know if you know, but among the many things that come with chronic pain, one is the inability to sit still. I find myself always craving distractions, and just keep piling on new tasks, or new craft ideas, new books, new projects at home... it never ends! I grab at anything to distract myself off of the fact that the pain is constant, never relenting. Tasks really help my sanity. The downside of this overload method is, your to-do list becomes miles long and then you get stress from not finishing things when you have so many other tasks waiting on you... it's a vicious circle!
So, I've been putting everything on my plate, all my miles of to-do lists on a silver platter, and praying to God that He takes them all from me, that He guides me to what HE wants me to focus on. I pray that He is now my pain manager and that He makes me slow down from the distractions, so I can really savor this time in our lives. Which explains why lately, all I've been publishing on this blog is book reviews! I've always enjoyed books, but lately, I'm insatiable! I'm sure y'all are getting tired of it, but I am working on more posts now... better posts, posts that are carefully put together and more me than just posting just to have something, anything published.
From now on, I may only post once a week, or twice. Hopefully, y'all will understand and continue to visit this little blog of mine! I haven't forgotten about this space, I'm just trying to savor my life, one day at a time. I'm focusing on my daily walk with Christ and trying to be where my feet are.
Now, onto the book reviews! These are some of the favorites I've been reading-
From Sullivan Entertainment-
The Piano Man's Daughter by Timothy Findley
This book was devoured as soon as I had it in my hands. The story, as the title suggests, is about the piano man's daughter, Lily, narrated by Charlie, Lily's son. It's an epic story, weaving in and out of three generations of a family with all sorts of scandal and skeletons in their closets. Timothy Findley wrote an amazing piece of work, and I am obsessed with it. He brings the character's personalities out so well that you feel like you're actually acquainted with them! This is a book that I will recommend to anyone who is looking for an enthralling tale. Sullivan Entertainment also provided me with the movie. Stockard Channing was captivating in the role of Lily, the actual piano man's daughter. Generally, I like to pass on books to friends and family, but this book and movie isn't going anywhere!
From Tyndale Publishers-
All Is Bright: A Devotional Journey to Color Your Way to Christmas by Nancy Guthrie and Lizzie Preston
Y'all, This is the nicest adult coloring book I've ever seen! Adding an advent devotional & it knocks it out of the park. This is so nice, I'd consider it to be an amazing gift for someone at any time of the year, not just around Christmas time. The daily devotional is very well thought out, inviting you to really meditate on God's word. You can also do this as a family!That Faith Sticks, (stickers)
They are the best idea! You get to color while meditating on God's word, and then decorate your journal or your bible! The only complaint I have is that you can't really use color pencils with them, the lines are too close together. I happened to have Micron pens, and they worked well with the stickers.
Closer Than Close: Awakening to the Freedom of Your Union with Christ by David Hickman
Lately, I've been feeling the need to get as close to God as one can get. His pull has been so strong, that I can't ignore it any longer. Unfortunately, being raised Catholic made me feel as if I needed a ceremony to approach Him and have a close relationship with God. So when I had the opportunity to read this book, it was at the PERFECT time. David Hickman shares his personal stories on his journey to having that relationship with God that I wanted. In essence, I felt like he was giving me a road map, a very precious one. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to just shuck all the extras and get cozy with God.
Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life's Storms by Tim Tebow
In this book, Tim Tebow takes the reader through an unstable period in his professional life, which results in him sinking into his identity in Christ. Encouraging and supportive, this book shows you one man's journey through an uneasy time, and really shows you that even though he's in the public eye, he relies on God's comfort just like the rest of us. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially for young gentlemen.
From Booklookbloggers-
Jesus Always, Embracing Joy in His Presence by Sarah Young
I didn't have the privilege of reading Jesus Calling before reading Sarah Young's second book- Jesus Always. But boy, did she do an amazing job on this devotional! I really felt as if her daily devotionals were short enough that you can read it before jumping out of bed in the morning, but in depth enough that the message strikes a cord and sticks with you all day long. These sweet devotionals are absolutely perfect for gifts for any occasion and they will be well received. It really puts Jesus on a personal level for you. Everyone I've talked to about this book says that it changed their walk with Jesus, and I can honestly say that, too! Don't miss this book.
From Moody Publishers:
From Heaven: A 28-Day Advent Devotional by A.W. Tozer
Until this book, I'd only heard of A.W. Tozer, never read anything by him before. I've missed out on savoring his words all these years! This is an Advent Devotional, and while I've read through it, I can not wait to start it all over again when Advent officially begins. This devotional uses A.W. Tozer's best reflections on Christ's incarnation and to His return. This is perfect for your personal quiet time with God or for a family devotional. It's also a great book to gift to someone.
The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
Again, A.W. Tozer was someone I had not read, but I knew within the first chapter, I needed to devour everything he wrote, ASAP. This book shows the reader A.W. Tozer's deep, personal relationship with God. It's downright inspiring! It's one of those books where you might as well highlight every word because it's that good. He talks about how complicated we've made the Christian faith & his solution for it. I believe this book will always remain in my library and I will recommend and gift this book to as many people as possible.
Hearts of Fire: Eight Women in the Underground Church and Their Stories of Costly Faith by The Voice of the Martyrs and Gracia Burnham
I personally support the Voice of the Martyrs organization so this book came as a gift. It's one that everyone in the faith should read. Often, I think about folks in other countries that can't openly express their faith. Each time I put on my silver cross necklace, my heart hurts for those who want to show/talk about/guide others to their faith. It's heartbreaking! Then, this book comes in and drags you into their world. These women are my heroes! The faith that they have, to do the things they do, all in the name of faith is astonishing. This is more of an adult read, but one that I'd recommend to everyone. It reminds me that no matter what I think is going on in my life that is impossible, there is always others who have it much worse than I do. This perspective is magnified for me after reading this book. Bless them.
From Bloggingforbooks-
Natural Color Vibrant Plant Dye Projects for Your Home and Wardrobe by Sasha Duerr
I'm in love with this book! Hardback, very durable for years of use. I sew lots of things, for personal and to put up for sale. I always have a hard time finding the exact shade of fabric that I picture in my head. Combine that with my journey away from all chemicals, and heading to a natural home, this book solves those issues for me! I love how she broke it down to seasonal, making it easy for you to find the plants to dye items with any time of the year. I'd recommend this book for anyone who has ever liked the idea of dye fabrics for any occasion!
From Bethany Publishers-
Discipline That Connects with Your Child's Heart by Jim & Lynne Jackson
Y'all, as a pending foster parent, this book connects to me in so many ways! I've often wondered how to raise a child up in Christ, but not so much that they are disillusioned once they go off into the world. How to be calm in the face of a child, who has big people emotions or trauma, but don't know how to express them, has forced me to try & read everything I can on the subject. I want to be well informed with a couple of go-to reactions and words when things go haywire, and this book gave me a new way to look at things so I can form those go-to responses. I'd recommend this book for anyone ever coming into contact with any child! Knowledge is power.
Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of the Sabbath in a Busy World by Shelly Miller
As I said previously in this post, I've given my to-do list to God & asked that He guide me in slowing down and really savoring this time in my life. So when this book was up for review, I felt called to it. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Shelly Miller shows us how to get into a rhythm of slow living instead of a fast paced life that many of us feel compelled to run! She shows you it's all about being intentional with your time, and that even though the world is turning at a break-neck speed, you can have a life God wanted you to, at least honor Him by doing what He asks- resting in the Sabbath.
And lastly,
Angels: Who They Are, What They Do, and Why It Matters by Jack Graham
This book is one I checked out from the library because honestly, I wasn't expecting to like it. The subject of angels is one that's always fascinated me. However, I didn't want to learn too much about them because I didn't want to be the weirdo talking about angels! You know those types! :)
But, this book has put me in my place! All of Jack Graham's findings are fully backed up with biblical references. This is THE book to read if you've always wondered about angels.
And if you've read this whole post, I'm so proud of you because that was a major book haul! I hope that at least one of these reviews helped you find your next book!
**Some of these books were received complimentary in exchange for my HONEST opinion.**
Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life's Storms by Tim Tebow
In this book, Tim Tebow takes the reader through an unstable period in his professional life, which results in him sinking into his identity in Christ. Encouraging and supportive, this book shows you one man's journey through an uneasy time, and really shows you that even though he's in the public eye, he relies on God's comfort just like the rest of us. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially for young gentlemen.
From Booklookbloggers-
Jesus Always, Embracing Joy in His Presence by Sarah Young
I didn't have the privilege of reading Jesus Calling before reading Sarah Young's second book- Jesus Always. But boy, did she do an amazing job on this devotional! I really felt as if her daily devotionals were short enough that you can read it before jumping out of bed in the morning, but in depth enough that the message strikes a cord and sticks with you all day long. These sweet devotionals are absolutely perfect for gifts for any occasion and they will be well received. It really puts Jesus on a personal level for you. Everyone I've talked to about this book says that it changed their walk with Jesus, and I can honestly say that, too! Don't miss this book.
From Moody Publishers:
From Heaven: A 28-Day Advent Devotional by A.W. Tozer
Until this book, I'd only heard of A.W. Tozer, never read anything by him before. I've missed out on savoring his words all these years! This is an Advent Devotional, and while I've read through it, I can not wait to start it all over again when Advent officially begins. This devotional uses A.W. Tozer's best reflections on Christ's incarnation and to His return. This is perfect for your personal quiet time with God or for a family devotional. It's also a great book to gift to someone.
The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
Again, A.W. Tozer was someone I had not read, but I knew within the first chapter, I needed to devour everything he wrote, ASAP. This book shows the reader A.W. Tozer's deep, personal relationship with God. It's downright inspiring! It's one of those books where you might as well highlight every word because it's that good. He talks about how complicated we've made the Christian faith & his solution for it. I believe this book will always remain in my library and I will recommend and gift this book to as many people as possible.
Hearts of Fire: Eight Women in the Underground Church and Their Stories of Costly Faith by The Voice of the Martyrs and Gracia Burnham
I personally support the Voice of the Martyrs organization so this book came as a gift. It's one that everyone in the faith should read. Often, I think about folks in other countries that can't openly express their faith. Each time I put on my silver cross necklace, my heart hurts for those who want to show/talk about/guide others to their faith. It's heartbreaking! Then, this book comes in and drags you into their world. These women are my heroes! The faith that they have, to do the things they do, all in the name of faith is astonishing. This is more of an adult read, but one that I'd recommend to everyone. It reminds me that no matter what I think is going on in my life that is impossible, there is always others who have it much worse than I do. This perspective is magnified for me after reading this book. Bless them.
From Bloggingforbooks-
Natural Color Vibrant Plant Dye Projects for Your Home and Wardrobe by Sasha Duerr
I'm in love with this book! Hardback, very durable for years of use. I sew lots of things, for personal and to put up for sale. I always have a hard time finding the exact shade of fabric that I picture in my head. Combine that with my journey away from all chemicals, and heading to a natural home, this book solves those issues for me! I love how she broke it down to seasonal, making it easy for you to find the plants to dye items with any time of the year. I'd recommend this book for anyone who has ever liked the idea of dye fabrics for any occasion!
From Bethany Publishers-
Discipline That Connects with Your Child's Heart by Jim & Lynne Jackson
Y'all, as a pending foster parent, this book connects to me in so many ways! I've often wondered how to raise a child up in Christ, but not so much that they are disillusioned once they go off into the world. How to be calm in the face of a child, who has big people emotions or trauma, but don't know how to express them, has forced me to try & read everything I can on the subject. I want to be well informed with a couple of go-to reactions and words when things go haywire, and this book gave me a new way to look at things so I can form those go-to responses. I'd recommend this book for anyone ever coming into contact with any child! Knowledge is power.
Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of the Sabbath in a Busy World by Shelly Miller
As I said previously in this post, I've given my to-do list to God & asked that He guide me in slowing down and really savoring this time in my life. So when this book was up for review, I felt called to it. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Shelly Miller shows us how to get into a rhythm of slow living instead of a fast paced life that many of us feel compelled to run! She shows you it's all about being intentional with your time, and that even though the world is turning at a break-neck speed, you can have a life God wanted you to, at least honor Him by doing what He asks- resting in the Sabbath.
And lastly,
Angels: Who They Are, What They Do, and Why It Matters by Jack Graham
This book is one I checked out from the library because honestly, I wasn't expecting to like it. The subject of angels is one that's always fascinated me. However, I didn't want to learn too much about them because I didn't want to be the weirdo talking about angels! You know those types! :)
But, this book has put me in my place! All of Jack Graham's findings are fully backed up with biblical references. This is THE book to read if you've always wondered about angels.
And if you've read this whole post, I'm so proud of you because that was a major book haul! I hope that at least one of these reviews helped you find your next book!
**Some of these books were received complimentary in exchange for my HONEST opinion.**
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