Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts

2.28.2024

The Irish Matchmaker ~ Review


The Irish Matchmaker
By Jennifer Deibel


Return to Ireland with the newest book from author Jennifer Deibel. Matchmaking is in Catriona Daly's blood. Her father Jimmy Daly is well-known for his skills as a matchmaker, and Catriona is proving to be equally skilled. And with the annual Matchmaking Festival mere days away, both Dalys are in high demand.

But Catriona longs for a life away from the sleepy village she calls home. And when Andrew Osborne, only son of Lord Osborne, is spotted visiting Catriona sees this as her opportunity to better her own life.

How, you might ask? By proving she has the grace, decorum, and skills to be the wife of a future lord. There's just one wee problem with this plan - her heart has other plans.

Donal Bunratty lost his wife six years ago and his nine year old daughter, Sara has requested a mother. Surprisingly he reluctantly agrees - and his matchmaker is none other Catriona.

As Donald and Catriona get to know one another, they are unexpectedly drawn to one another. But Donal knows there is no way Caty could fall in love with him, a simple farmer who is barely surviving from one week to the next.

This a book about discovering one's true self. How much is enough? Can love, true love, become a part of our daily lives? What a concept is true love, a love that is willing to give up what it desires for the sake of another.

The settings come alive and the various characters have depth that you will enjoy. I highly recommend this book to fans of Historical Romance Fiction. A perfect book club selection!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I share my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Making the perfect match is both art and science
~
But love doesn't always follow the rules.


As the daughter of a well-known matchmaker, Catríona Daly is no stranger to the business of love--and sees it as her ticket away from the sleepy village that only comes alive during the annual matchmaking festival. Enter Lord Osborne's son, Andrew, who has returned to the festival after being disappointed by a rival matchmaker's failed setup. Catríona seizes the opportunity to make a better match for the handsome man--and for herself!

Cattle farmer Donal Bunratty is in desperate need of a wife after loss left him to handle the farm and raise his daughter on his own. Shy and lacking the finer social graces, he agrees to attend the matchmaking festival to appease his daughter. But when he arrives, it's not any of the other merrymakers that catch his eye but rather his matchmaker--who clearly has eyes for someone else.

Catríona will have to put all her expertise to work to make a match that could change her life forever. Will her plan succeed? Or will love have its own way?

3.10.2022

What Happened at the Cross ~ Spotlight with Excerpt

What Happened at the Cross JustRead Blog Blitz 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for 
What Happened at the Cross 
by Billy Graham, hosted by 

About the Book

What Happened at the Cross Title: What Happened at the Cross 
Author: Billy Graham 
Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
Release Date: November 23, 2021 
Genre: Christian, Spiritual Growth, Easter 

The cross of Christ towers over 2,000 years of history. What happened on that hill called Calvary? In this compilation of his life's work, Billy Graham explains what Jesus accomplished on the day of his death, the meaning of his sacrifice, where he is now, the price of victory, and how to live with hope. 

It’s almost impossible to find one of Billy Graham’s sermons that didn’t focus on the incredible events that happened over 2,000 years ago on Mount Calvary, and that’s because he centered his life and ministry around its message. In this special collection of the beloved evangelist's inspiring messages on the cross, discover simple yet profound truths that will change your life. 

This one-of-a-kind message includes: 
• An exclusive foreword from Franklin Graham and afterword by Will Graham 
• More than 40 bonus pages of Scripture references pointing readers to what God's Word says about the cross and salvation 
• The Steps of Peace salvation plan from the Billy Graham Evangelical Association 
• Seven chapters of rich content explaining what happened at the cross; the price of victory; the meaning of the cross; the king's eternity, and how to live life with hope 

Perfect for Christians seeking spiritual encouragement and a better understanding of the Gospel's message, What Happened at the Cross will help you better understand the meaning of the cross and equip you to proclaim the gospel in your Church, your community, and beyond.

Purchase Links*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | ChristianBook | BookBub


About the Author

Billy Graham, world-renowned preacher, evangelist, and author, delivered the gospel message to more people face-to-face than anyone in history and ministered on every continent of the world in more than 185 countries. Millions have read his inspirational classics, including Angels, Peace with God, The Holy Spirit, Hope for the Troubled Heart, How to Be Born Again, The JourneyNearing Home, and The Reason for My Hope.

Excerpt

The award-winning coach at the University of Alabama, Paul “Bear” Bryant, once said, “The price of
victory is high but so are the rewards.” Another Paul, the great apostle, declared that he would not
boast in anything except the cross of Jesus and said, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward
call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). Victory is something we all want to experience. In fact, I have
never met anyone who would choose defeat over victory. But through life we all experience both,
whether a competition, or battle between our will and God’s will. What is the greatest and most costly
battle ever to take place? Who was the victor, and what was the reward? The greatest battle ever
fought was between good and evil, and it took place at Golgotha, a rugged hill outside the walled city of
Jerusalem. Jesus Christ was Victory, paying the cost with His blood. The reward was the salvation of
human souls.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a copy of What Happened at the Cross.

What Happened at the Cross JustRead Giveaway

The full tour schedule is linked below. The giveaway began at midnight March 8, 2022, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 15, 2022. The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

11.12.2021

A Saint A Day ~ Review

A Saint A Day:
365 True Stories of Faith and Heroism
By Meredith Hinds
Illustrated by Isabel Munoz

A Saint A Day is a year-long devotional that each day presents a different recognized Saint. From the introduction, we learn that the Saints have been vetted by the Catholic Church and have either achieved sainthood or are on their way to becoming a named Saint. Now I will admit, not having been raised within the Catholic Church to having only a passing familiarity with a few of these individuals. 

January 1st opens the book with Mary, the mother of Jesus and references Luke 1:38 where Mary declares her willingness to be used by God. The devotional text puts the Scripture reference in the context of just what God was asking of her - to carry His Son as her own. May 30th references Joan of Arc and the courage it took for her to listen and follow God's calling. June 4th shares Julia Greeley's serving heart and care of the poor. There is a wide range of people throughout history from the early days of the church through the 20th century who are presented.

This book though geared for children 8-12 could be used by older readers easily. Would be a good gift for special occasions.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Teach your child to walk in faith, act justly, and lead with kindness and humility with this 365-day devotional for kidsA Saint a Day includes fascinating historical stories as it introduces young readers to over 300 saints who did extraordinary things for God.
Mother Teresa left her family at age 18 to become a missionary. St. Patrick helped spread Christianity to Ireland. St. Jerome translated the Bible into Latin--and also had a pet lion!
Written for ages 8 to 12, A Saint a Day inspires young readers with remarkable stories of people who made extraordinary choices to love and serve God. Featuring popular saints such as Teresa of Avila, Francis of Assisi, Juan Diego, and Thomas Aquinas, each of the 365 devotions includes:
  • A Scripture verse and prayer
  • A short summary or an inspiring story of a saint
  • A notable fact
  • Artwork with a fresh, kid-friendly design
 
This daily devotional for kids is:
  • An ideal gift for First Communion, Confirmation, or Advent
  • A unique book for strengthening a child's faith
  • A great way to share Catholic Church history with kids
 
A Saint a Day will help your child realize the long history of people of faith. As you journey through this yearlong devotional, your children will grow in their understanding of Church history and better understand how they can love and serve God.
Meredith Hinds is a freelance writer and editor who develops books for all audiences and ages, particularly in the Christian market. She’s worked with bestselling authors Philip Yancey and Mark Batterson, and she’s served as a collaborator, abridger, consultant, and teammate for many others. She’s always up for a good story. She lives in Colorado with her husband and three young children.
Isabel Muñoz studied fine arts at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. To paint for a living was her dream, and now she’s proud to be the illustrator of several children’s books. She works from a tiny and colorful studio in the north of Spain. You can follow her work at isabelmg.com.

Author Bio

Reviews:

Monday, November 1st: @lovemybooks2020

Wednesday, November 3rd: @jenniaahava

Friday, November 5th: The Bookish Dilettante

Monday, November 8th: @irishgirliereads

Wednesday, November 10th: @arrow_reads

Friday, November 12th: Blooming with Books and @bloomingwbooks

Tuesday, November 16th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Thursday, November 18th: She Just Loves Books and @shejustlovesbooks

Friday, November 19th: View from the Birdhouse

Wednesday, November 24th: @rozierreadsandwine

Monday, November 29th: @parksidereads

Instagram features:

Wednesday, December 1st: @shobizreads

Thursday, December 2nd: @nerdy_book_lover_1987

Friday, December 3rd: @books_with_bethany

Monday, December 6th: @travelerswife4life

Tuesday, December 7th: @barr_bookworm

Wednesday, December 8th: @kristens.reading.nook

Friday, December 10th: @djreadsbooks

11.08.2021

Night Night, Angel ~ Review

Night Night, Angel
By Amy Parker
Illustrated by Virginia Allyn

It's time to gather your little one's near and enjoy this delightful board book that celebrates the simple joys of the Christmas season. As the fox family comes together and prepares for Christmas delightful illustrations bring the story to life. Gifts and treats are made to give and share in preparation for the greatest gift of all - the gift of God's Son come that first Christmas night.

This book is for the youngest readers and listeners but older kids who enjoy animals and illustrated books should enjoy this as well. This is a lovely way to share the true joy of the season with the children in your life. Makes a perfect gift!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.




‘Tis the season for joy! Celebrate the family fun and season’s blessings of Christmas with a young arctic fox as your family remembers that Jesus is the best gift of all. Amy Parker’s delightful rhymes and Virginia Allyn’s sweet illustrations make Night Night, Angel the perfect read-aloud for toddlers and preschoolers enjoying the Christmas season.

Little fox loves all the excitement that Christmas brings to the forest: making creative presents, placing the star on the tree, and making sure she is spotlight-ready for the big Christmas play. But soon she realizes that the perfect gift has already been given through the baby who arrived on the first Christmas night!

As the fourth seasonal title in the hugely successful Night Night bedtime storybook brand, this Christmas board book

  • gives families a fun way to say goodnight during the Advent season
  • celebrates the special moments of family holiday activities
  • gently reminds children that Baby Jesus is the reason for the season

The Christmas theme and sparkling cover make Night Night, Angel perfect for an Advent gift, stocking stuffer, or Christmas morning surprise from parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, and friends. Your little angel will be ready to snuggle in for the night as together you celebrate the many blessings of Christmas!

Review tour for SLOTHY CLAUS and NIGHT NIGHT, ANGEL:

Monday, October 25th: @bookshelfmomma

Tuesday, October 26th: @literannie

Wednesday, October 27th: Stranded in Chaos and @sarastrand9438

Thursday, October 28th: @shobizreads

Friday, October 29th: Write Read Life

Monday, November 1st: @irishgirliereads

Wednesday, November 3rd: She Just Loves Books and @shejustlovesbooks

Friday, November 5th: View from the Birdhouse

Friday, November 5th: Books, Tea, Healthy Me

Monday, November 8th: Blooming with Books

Wednesday, November 10th: A Holland Reads

Friday, November 12th: @celiamcmahonreads

Monday, November 15th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Tuesday, November 16th: @bookscallmyheart

Wednesday, November 17th: Run Wright and @karen_runwrightreads

Thursday, November 18th: @parksidereads

Monday, November 22nd: Christian Chick’s Thoughts and @cctblog

Wednesday, November 24th: From the TBR Pile

Monday, November 29th: Bookworm for Kids

5.13.2021

Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table ~ Review

Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table
It's Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind...
By Louie Giglio


When we are in the midst of troubles and stresses of life don't ask God to get you out of whatever you are facing. Rather THANK God for being there with you. In the Psalms we read about God preparing a place for us at His table in the midst  of our enemies.  But all too often this table that is meant for just us and God finds Satan joining us because we invite him to the table. We allow our fears, our anger, our doubts, our feelings to issue an invitation to the enemy of our soul and our Savior. 

All we need to allow the Devil to join us at our table is to give him the slightest opening. We need to refuse him access and call on Jesus's name to turn him away.  Wanting more of the material parts of the world, succumbing to temptations, dissatisfaction with your life is a big flashing invitation to our table.  Anything that is a normal part of our life the Devil can use against it. He can be empathetic - just look at how Eve was tempted to sin. He wants to steal everything we value, break our relationship with God, destroy the connections we have with our family and friends. 

Sometimes we don't even realize that we have been enjoying years in the presence of our enemy because we welcomed him to our table not realizing who we were offering an open invitation to. And once the enemy has joined us he isn't willing going to leave our table. Rather he wants us to leave the table that God has prepared for us, convincing us that the next table over is better than what God has offered to us. The freedom offered by the enemy finds us shackling our selves to him. We've allowed him to lead us away from God fully entrenched in the lies he has been whispering in our ears. He appeals to our basic needs with false promises. Temptation isn't sin if we reject the temptation BUT if we act on it whether in thought or deed is sin. Stop your thoughts before they lead you on the path to Hell. Don't compound your sin with more sin - this is never the answer to feeling better. Sin is the opening the Devil needs to condemn us - throwing our shortcomings back at us. 

When we are in the presence of God, our Good Shepherd, He provides us with encouragement as we go through the dark valleys of life. He travels the route with us always offering us His hand if only we don't turn away seeking the false promises of ease. God allows us to face the challenges before us but He is our biggest advocate in the encouragement department.  We need to remember that God HAS OUR BACKS! And there is always a way out of these lies. it isn't easy but it is doable if only we listen to God instead of the enemy and open our eyes to see with faith. We can counter the enemy's attacks by calling on the power of Jesus's name. 

It is never too late to get out of sin before it happens. Each way out gets smaller the closer you get to sin. When given an out take it. Sin will never give you the lasting feeling that you will get from an intimate relationship with God. Take time to spend time alone with God - learn His voice so the enemy cannot deceive you into listening to the wrong voice.  You can be the person He created you to be and it starts in your mind, your heart, and your soul.  This is where the battle line with the enemy is drawn and the choice is yours. Choose wisely your life depends on it.

I really enjoyed (though enjoyed isn't quite the right word for it) this audiobook. This is one that you'll want to keep handy and listen to more than once. There is much to help you grow in your relationship with God and to help you see past the blinders that are distorting your vision.  It is time to take the place in the story of your life that God has written for you. Don't let your story be destroyed by reaching out to God today. God exalted Jesus and we should exalt Him in our own life and not bow to the lies and temptations of the enemy of all. I highly recommend this book it has much to offer for believers and to those who are seekers standing at the crossroad. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this audiobook with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. 


About the Audiobook:

Louie Giglio helps you find encouragement, hope, and strength in the

midst of any valley as you reject the enemy voices of
fear, rage, lust, insecurity, anxiety, despair, temptation, or defeat.

Scripture is clear: the Enemy is a liar who will stop at nothing to tempt you into poor decisions and self-defeating mindsets, making you feel afraid, angry, anxious, or defeated. It is all too easy for Satan to weasel his way into a seat at the table intended for only you and your King. But you can fight back.

Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table outlines the ways to overcome those lies so you can find peace and security in any challenging circumstance or situation. With the same bold, exciting approach to Scripture as employed in Goliath Must Fall and his other previous works, pastor Louie Giglio examines Psalm 23 in fresh ways, highlighting verse 5: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”

You can find freedom from insecurity, temptation, and defeat—if you allow Jesus, the Shepherd, to lead the battle for your mind and heart. This spiritual warfare book for those who are leery of spiritual warfare books will resonate with Louie’s core Passion tribe as well as with Christians of all ages who want to live a triumphant life in God.

Purchase Links

Thomas Nelson | Amazon | Barnes & Noble


About Louie Giglio:

Louie Giglio is Pastor of Passion City Church and Original Visionary of the Passion movement, which exists to call a generation to leverage their lives for the fame of Jesus.

Since 1997, Passion Conferences has gathered collegiate-aged young people in events across the US and around the world. Most recently, Passion hosted over 700,000 people from over 150 countries online at Passion 2021.

Louie is the national-bestselling author of over a dozen books including his newest release, Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table, as well as Goliath Must FallIndescribable: 100 Devotions about God & ScienceThe Comeback, The Air I Breathe, I Am Not But I Know I Am, and others. As a communicator, Louie is widely known for messages like Indescribable and How Great is Our God.

An Atlanta native and graduate of Georgia State University, Louie has done post-graduate work at Baylor University and holds a master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Louie and Shelley make their home in Atlanta.

Connect with Louie:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Reviews:

Monday, May 10th: Pick a Good Book and @pickagoodbook (audio)

Monday, May 10th: Leighellen Landskov and @mommaleighellensbooknook

Tuesday, May 11th: @stumblingintobooks (audio)

Wednesday, May 12th: @jodys_got_books

Thursday, May 13th: @agingerlyreview (audio)

Thursday, May 13th: Blooming with Books (audio)

Friday, May 14th: Nurse Bookie and @nurse_bookie (audio)

Monday, May 17th: Mammanatty’s Raves and Reviews

Monday, May 17th: She Just Loves Books and @shejustlovesbooks (audio)

Tuesday, May 18th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom (audio)

Wednesday, May 19th: Run Wright and @karen_runwright

Wednesday, May 19th: Blunt Scissors Book Reviews and @bluntscissorsbookreviews (audio)

Thursday, May 20th: @bookshelfmomma (audio)

Friday, May 21st: @vivibookshelf

Monday, May 24th: @books_faith_love

Wednesday, May 26th: @rozierreadsandwine (audio)

Instagram features:

Monday, May 10th: @baytownbookie

Tuesday, May 11th: @beautyinthebinding

Wednesday, May 12th: @thecalicobooks

Thursday, May 13th: @fashionablyfifty

Saturday, May 15th: @lovemybooks2020

Sunday, May 16th: @shobizreads

Monday, May 17th: @hannah_reads

12.16.2020

Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable ~ Review

Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable
By Dr. William H. Marty

People like stories and parables are stories. But some stories have a deeper meaning than what one might first think. Even Jesus's own disciples needed help with discovering the deeper meaning behind Jesus's words. Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable offers today's reader guidance in understanding the meaning of the parables of the Bible.

What I found interesting is this book doesn't just look at the New Testament parables of Jesus but also two parables from the Old Testament. Parables are and were methods used to teach important truths. But Jesus used His parables to teach about His kingdom - a kingdom that was to come. What Jesus taught was a concept that was unfamiliar to the people of His day and He needed to explain it to them in a way that they could grasp. Even today we need this explanation to help us understand the Kingdom that is to come. 

Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable doesn't relay the parable and then state this is what it means. Rather it explains the setting (historically) and summarizes the parable. Then there is a section that helps the reader to reflect on what they just read and come to their own understanding. To truly understand something one needs to work through the information on their own (or in a group) and this book offers the tools to do this. This is an excellent resource for any believer (or seeker) who is reading and studying the Bible.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

A Change of Pace for Your Bible Study

Jesus knew the power of stories to touch people's hearts, so he used parables to teach his followers about the kingdom of God. If you want to know God better, the parables are a great place to start.

This book provides short studies on every parable in the Bible. You'll learn what God wants us to know from the prodigal son, the good Samaritan, the lost sheep, the talents, the sower, and many more.

Each study includes a summary of the parable, the Scripture reference where it can be found, information on the historical and cultural setting, and key points. At the end of each study are questions that open the door to discussion, reflection, or further investigation, and help you get to the heart of the parable.

A wonderful tool for small groups or to add variety to your personal devotions. Let these studies draw you nearer to God as they enhance your understanding of his Word.

Dr. William H. Marty taught at Moody Bible Institute for thirty-seven years. His main emphasis was teaching an Old and New Testament survey to freshmen at the Chicago campus, and the fruit of his focus on teaching the storyline of the Bible was published in The Whole Bible Story. Dr. Marty has also written The World of Jesus and The Jesus Story and coauthored A Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Linda, and is an active triathlete.

12.15.2020

Why is That in the Bible? ~ Review

Why is That in the Bible?
By Eric J. Bargerhuff

The most perplexing verses and stories--and what they teach us

The Bible often has passages that can leave a reader scratching their head and wondering what it was all about and even at times why it is in the Bible. But sometimes the meaning of the passage is twofold. It has bearing on the participants and the time in which they lived and it has an alluded to future bearing on the world that was and is still come.

This book is in no way an exhaustive overview of what one can find perplexing but rather it deals with some of the more well-known passages of both the Old and New Testaments. For instance, Abraham's sacrifice of Issac, who would willingly take a long-desired child and offer them as a sacrifice. Yet this is what Abraham did and he did it with a belief that he would still have a son afterward. This one of those instances of present and future meaning. And then there is the story of Jesus cursing the non-bearing fig tree. Reading passage one can be confused - why curse a tree that is not bearing fruit? But there is a deeper message that if directed at those who profess belief in Christ and His salvation - words are like the leaves of the fig tree and actions are like the fruit. Without actions behind our words, we are like a fruitless leafed-out tree. 

These various examples take the reader on a journey of discovery, one that can open the eyes, mind, and heart to the greater meaning found within the Bible. One just needs the means to see deeper and this book offers one help in doing so. This book as the author offers in his conclusion is to help combat the biblical illiteracy that is growing and to help "Christians to be known as people of the Book" for without this we will never God as He intended us to. Are you ready to understand God's story more fully?

This book is one that you will want to have on hand for looking back on what you read or even to reread sections when you come across these passages in your daily Bible readings. Would make an excellent gift for those with questions about why something is in the Bible.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

The Bible Passages You've Always Wondered about--Explained

What should we make of the Bible story about a talking donkey? What about the passage in Joshua where the sun and moon stood still? Should biblical practices like women wearing head coverings still be followed today? The Bible serves as the foundation for all of Christian life, crossing time and transcending cultures, yet many passages are perplexing.

Providing fascinating historical and scriptural insights, Eric J. Bargerhuff demystifies forty Bible verses and stories. Ranging from strange accounts, such as bears mauling forty-two boys (2 Kings 2), to hard-to-accept statements, such as Jesus saying we must hate our families in order to be his disciples (Luke 14), you will learn the context of each passage and how it applies to us today. Other fascinating accounts include

· The Finger on the Wall
· "Lead Us Not into Temptation"
· Jeremiah's Linen Underwear
· "No One Knows the Day or the Hour"
· The Battle for Moses' Body
· Death at Communion

In all, this book will help you be more confident about interpreting all of God's Word accurately.

Eric J. Bargerhuff, PhD, is a professor of Bible and theology and the associate dean of academic affairs at Trinity College of Florida. He served in pastoral ministry for more than twenty years in churches in Ohio, Illinois, and Florida. He received his doctorate in biblical and systematic theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Eric's passion is to write about the interpretation and application of biblical principles for the purposes of spiritual growth and reform in the church. He and his family live in Trinity, Florida.

5.07.2020

Beyond (Awkward) Side Hugs ~ Review with Giveaway

Beyond (Awkward) Side Hugs
By Bronwyn Lea
Foreward by Christine Caine

Living as Christian Brothers 
and Sisters in a Sex-Crazed World

The Church finds itself in an awkward position - how do Christians share the love that we are instructed to share with one another? The Church has slipped into the cultural norm of seeing as the world does. We jump to the same conclusions that all shows of affection must have a sexual root. Familia love has no place when we observe others interacting with one another.

Sigmund Freud's legacy of psychoanalysis is alive and well. It has saturated all aspects of the Western World - we see it everywhere and suspect innuendo and undertones in everything.  It has taken up permanent residence in our books, movies, and music. But Freud's legacy is starving us - love has no meaning, no attachments and purely focused on the pleasures of the moment.

The Church needs to get back to the Bible when it comes to love between believing brothers and sisters. We need to stop allowing the dominant cultural influences to dictate how we interact with one another. There are four loves but we have all but forgotten the three that should be foremost in our lives. There is storge which is the strong binding love one has for one's family. This is also the brotherly (or sisterly) love we are to share with fellow believers. Then we have phileo which is the love of companions, friends, those with whom we share interests. This love is the warmth of friendship we feel to those who are, like us, people of God. Agape love is the love that God has offered to us not because it is our right but because it is a choice. This is the same love that a parent of a wayward child offers - it is an undeserved love freely given by the giver for no reason. This is the mark that Christians are to be distinguished by. All too often these loves get lost in the physical draw of eros

We are to care for our family. To avoid this according to Paul is to be worse than an unbeliever. But we must ask ourselves who is my family? If we answer truthfully all believers are our family - they are our brothers and sisters. If we can keep this in mind we can love them as such and with time not be left feeling awkward when we express love for our family.

This is a book that is well worth reading and rereading. There is much to take in and this book is written to every believer no matter their marital status. As Jesus said, "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."(NIV Matthew 12:50) We have family all around us and we should love them as Jesus loved those who became His brothers and sisters and not feel self-conscience about a familia affection.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:
It Doesn’t Have to Be This Weird
When it comes to relationships between men and women, we have more questions than answers:
  • How do we keep relationships with the opposite sex healthy—and still hug each other after small group?
  • Is it possible for married men and women to be friends with people of the opposite sex?
  • What does it mean to be a woman if you’re not a wife, or a man if you’re not a husband?
Jesus’ pattern for church living was one of family—of brothers and sisters living in intimate, life-giving community with each other. With story, sensitivity, and hope, Beyond Awkward Side Hugs invites us to leave behind eroticized, fear-based patterns and move toward gendered, generous relationships between men and women of character as we love one another as Jesus did.
Beyond Awkward Side Hugs is a deep well of biblical wisdom, and Lea has written with nuance and clarity, humor and grace.” –Jen Pollock Michel, author of Surprised by Paradox and Keeping Place
“The church desperately needs a bigger vision for how men and women can flourish together in ministry and friendship, and Bronwyn Lea paints a vivid picture for how we’ll get there.” –Steve Wiens, author of Shining Like the SunBeginnings, and Whole 

Purchase Links

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1.19.2020

End Game ~ Review

End Game 
Capital Intrigue #1
By Rachel Dylan

When FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan gets a late-night call she never expected that she would be working a case in partnership with NCIS. But the murder of a civilian and a Navy SEAL with the same apparent MO has them working against the clock in case they have a serial or spree killer operating in the DC area.

NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini isn't keen on the idea of having to work with the FBI but Bailey Ryan seems more than willing to play nice in the joint investigation. And with her legal background, she brings more attention to the paper detail than his fieldwork tendencies normally allow.

As evidence becomes available it seemingly points to another Navy SEAL as the murderer. But his JAG lawyer isn't convinced by the evidence. Bailey and Marco aren't willing to close the case just yet but the evidence is damaging.

When more people begin dying and someone targets the joint investigative team, Bailey, Marco and the rest of the team suspect something bigger is going on. But without the evidence to point them where to look next, they are running out of time and potential suspects.

End Game is the first book in the Capital Intrigue series and it continually adds layers to the story as each clue, piece of evidence and attack brings the danger closer to home.  If you love suspense that doesn't give away its secrets early on in the book this is one you will want to pick up. There are plenty of potential traitors or people hiding something but does it have any bearing on their case? These are the questions that they have to figure out.

This book is definitely in the stay-up-all-night page-turner category so give yourself plenty of time because you won't want to put this one down once you pick it up. The characters are a good blend and work well together and have an on-page presence that doesn't feel forced or thrown together. These are people that you could meet in your day-to-day life and connect with. The pacing is good with no dragging. I would most definitely want to revisit any of these characters in future books. This is a good series debut that doesn't leave you hanging as the story is complete in itself.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.
 

About the Book:
When elite members of the military are murdered on the streets of Washington, DC, FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini must work together to bring the perpetrator to justice. Unfortunately, all evidence points to a Navy SEAL sniper whom Bailey refuses to believe is guilty.

When Bailey and Marco start to connect the dots between the victims, including a link to a powerful defense contractor, they wonder if there's a deeper cover-up at play. Then Bailey is targeted, and it becomes clear that someone is willing to kill to keep their dark secrets.

With the stakes getting higher by the moment in a twisted conspiracy, there's a rush against the clock to determine whom they can really trust. As allies turn to enemies, the biggest secret yet to be uncovered could be the end of all of them.