Book #43: Surfing For God - Michael John Cusick

In a day and age when just about everything is sexualized it's no wonder men/women are struggling.

Instant gratification is just a click away, but are men/women really searching to satisfy their lustful longings or is there something deeper rooted in their hearts longing to heard?

Book Description

“Every time a man knocks on a brothel door, he is really searching for God.” -- G.K. Chesterton

Could the growing struggles with pornography and fantasy really be reminding us of our heart’s deepest desire, something greater and more fulfilling than sexual gratification?

According to counselor and ministry leader Michael John Cusick, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Through personal examples, lively illustrations from Scripture, and twenty years of counseling experience, Michael helps readers to understand how porn struggles begin, what to do to prevent them, and most importantly, how to overcome them once compulsive behavior presents itself.

Freedom is not an easy, how-to process:

* 25% of search engine requests are for pornography – 68 million per day

* 70% of the hits on Internet sex sites occur between 9-5 on business computers

* Over 50 percent of evangelical pastors report they viewed pornography last year

* Over 70% of Christian men report viewing pornography in the last year

Surfing for God leads readers down a clear path toward understanding how porn struggles develop, how to distinguish between sexual gratification and intimacy, and how to break free from the shackles of this pleasurable prison.

Having the opportunity to receive books for free in exchange for a review means I get to read books I may not have normally picked up.
I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to step inside Cusick's own story of struggle and learn his steps to overcoming.We live in a time when everything is at our fingertips, instantly and I know that it is only going to get worse, which means it will easily affect more and more of the people we know.
It's important that we as women understand the struggle.
Viewing pornography grants instant gratification which in turn rewires the brain much like that of a drug.
Over time the amount needed grows and much like any other addiction, intervention and detoxification are needed to recover.
In my opinion knowing this allows us to arm ourselves with the tools to protect our own homes from being attacked.
You never know when someone in your life may admit to this struggle, at that time how would you react?Will you push them away, will you put them down, or will you do your best to help build them up to be the man you know God wants them to be?

Cusick warns the following, "Where in your life do you say,'This is living'? If you don't have something in your life that regularly inspires adventure, risk, and passion, beware.  Because if you don't, you will seek the counterfeit. 

This book is not for the faint of heart, it deals with a real issue that our society is currently exploiting.

If someone you know is struggling with a sexual addiction I strongly suggest gifting them this book or reading it yourself so that you can better understand the struggle.
If you are a mother of boys, I suggest you read this book to help to learn to protect them and raise them into Godly men.
I hope you have a Blessed Friday!

I received this book free from the publishers through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Book #41: STRESS POINT - Sarah Francis Martin

Book Description

Want to ditch the drama and thrive through your twenties?

Body image. Friendships. Career. Money. Dating. All these issues and more serve as points of stress for the 20-something woman, and combined they can make for a decade of drama in a girl's life. Sarah Francis Martin is the slightly older girlfriend who’s been there, done that, and got the not-so-cute t-shirt. Through this interactive Bible study, Sarah helps young adult women address each stress point by encouraging them to wait on the Lord, worship Him, and make Him the focus of their lives.

In Stress Point you will:

• Find interactive chapters covering ten stress points for the 20-something woman
• Dig through Scripture to apply truth to each stress point
• Engage with real, raw, and relevant stories from girlfriends just like you
• Journal through each chapter to engage with God in a meaningful way
• Interact with Sarah through her video blogs for each chapter
• Connect with your girlfriends in a Stress Point Survival Group; leader guide included

Sarah Francis Martin has a passion to encourage and relate to women in their twenties, and is honored to do so through She Seeks, the 20-something ministry of Proverbs 31. Her relevant and conversational style will lead young adult readers to live out the Kingship of Christ in everyday life in order to find godly success, purpose, and well-being. Obsessed with pink lip gloss and all things artsy-crafty, Sarah lives with her husband and son in North Carolina. Her ministry, LIVE IT OUT!, is a space for 20-somethings to connect with one another and grow closer to Jesus (www.liveitoutblog.com).

I chose to read this book  simply because I am in my 20s and I have had my fair share of drama.

I only wish I had had a copy of this book during my early 20s, when more of this was relevant to me.

Sarah does an AMAZING job walking the readers through the battles they will face in their 20s with chapters such as these:

Career

Self Image

Body Image

Love/Dating

Friends and Family

Money

Stepping Out on Your Own

Making a Difference

Spiritual Maturity

Being a stay at home mom, whose been out of the dating world for over 10 years I found it hard to relate to some of the chapters.  

Other's hit home though and gave me new perspective.
Sarah's vlogs are the perfect end to each chapter and make her relevant and entertaining.
I love how she blends modern references with Bible backing to educate the readers and help them see how God is everywhere.
My other favorite aspect was that each chapter has multiple journal entries that the reader is encouraged to participate in.
The journal entries are a great way to take a moment and reflect on where you are at in your life, how you view situations, and what you can do to be more Christ centered in all your decisions.

Although, I didn't feel as though I benefitted 100% it's a book I would DEFINITELY give to a college graduate.

Someone who is new to their 20s, new to the career world, new to dating and managing their own financial decisions.

If you are in your early 20s or if you know someone getting ready to graduate college, this is the book for you/them.

I hope you have a Blessed Saturday!

I received this book free from the publishers through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Book #36: Covenant Child - Terri Blackstock

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance". ~2 Peter 3:9

Book Description

Amanda’s heart broke as she watched them drive her beloved twins away. She resolved to hope . . . and to fight for them to her last breath.

Kara and Lizzie are heiresses to one of the largest fortunes in the country. But when their father dies suddenly, the toddlers are ripped from the arms of Amanda, their loving stepmother, and given to their maternal grandparents, who only want the children’s fortune for themselves.

While even the stipend their guardians get for supporting them is squandered, the children are left to raise themselves. Kara and Lizzie grow up believing they are worthless . . . until the day when they learn the truth.

Covenant Child can best be described as a modern day prodigal son story.

This book is an easy read and I found myself eagerly turning pages this week!

I liked Terri's writing as it was raw in some parts.  It wasn't always pretty and sweet like many Christian fiction books tend to be.  The life of the main characters was rough and hard and she portrayed that in an honest and real way.  

In reading this book you find out that one twin returns home upon her 18th birthday leaving to claim the fortune that was promised her.  The other is more stubborn and doesn't like the idea that if she goes 'home' she will need to finish school, live by the rules of someone else, etc.  Her stubbornness leads her to try to find a way to sue her step mother for what she believes is rightfully hers.  Despite knowing that all along she could have it if she would just come 'home'.  

This illustration reminds me of a toddler who constantly says "I can do it"!

Too often toddlers are learning how to be independent and don't realize that others hold knowledge and experience far greater than they can comprehend.

So we let the toddler try and try and try again until either they get it or they ask for help.  

In this situation the rebellious twin has a hard time learning that she won't get her way....that she must give up her pride.

It isn't until she is to her lowest point that she finally decides to ask for help.

The story is so much a reflection of God's love for us.  

He gave us free will and the ability to choose how we live our lives.

He will not interfere or force himself on us, but he loves us unconditionally and he hopes that we choose the route that leads to him.

Far too often we must be brought to our knees before we realize it's time to ask for his guidance and help.

I enjoyed reading this book and encourage everyone to read it.

Especially if you have ever doubted God's love or promises.

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ.  And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God". ~2 Corinthians 1:20.

Oh and if you didn't check back at my last book review I'd just like to announce that we have a winner of the MOMumental Giveaway!

**Drumroll**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations Bethany B.

I will be in contact with you to organize the shipment of your copy of MOMumental!

I hope you all have a Blessed Saturday!

I received this book free from the publishers through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Book #33: Simple Secrets to a Happy Life - Luci Swindoll

Are you searching for simple ways to be a happier person?

"Is it possible to stay full of life, laughter, love, and the Lord through eight decades in this crazy world?  Is that even realistic?  Yes!  There is hope, and Luci Swindoll is living proof.

With heart and humor, this best-selling author and beloved speaker lays out the truths that can help us all become a little more creative, organized, healthy, and happy.  This is not a complex prescription for how to become superwoman.  These are simple secrets, the wisdom produced by years of walking with God and living well.

We don't need more tips for "having it all,"  but we could all use insight on "having what matters," and there is no better guide than Luci Swindoll.  Slip into this collection of proverbs, stories, and friendly advice and come away inspired, equipped, and encouraged."

That is how the back cover of this book reads and it's that synopsis that drew me into this book.

I consider myself to live a fairly happy life day in and day out, but who doesn't wonder if there are ways to increase your happiness?

As I read Luci's experiences and advice I couldn't help but feel as though they were words written by a sweet Grandma, one I wouldn't mind to call my own if given the chance.  It's impossible not to believe everything she has written here.  

I walked away from reading this book with a new perspective on how to be happy using her simple secrets to success.

In fact, don't be surprised if in the future I take these 50 chapters and spread them out over a year to help challenge everyone I know to increase their happiness!

I will say there were many topics that I read and I thought to myself, "Well of course, who doesn't know that," but there were others I read and thought, "she's on to something here." 

No matter how happy you may be there is always room for improvement....whoever said there can't be too much of a good thing was obviously referring to this concept of happiness.

I encourage everyone to get a copy of this book and not only read it, but apply it to their daily lives.

I know I will be doing my best to follow through on being the happiest happy I can be!

I hope you have a Blessed Saturday!

I received this book free from the publishers through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Book #26: Bonhoeffer - Eric Metaxas

If you typically don't read non-fiction, this is not the book to start on.

When I set out to read Bonhoeffer I was intrigued by the synopsis of what this book would cover.

"Eric Metaxas takes both strands of Bonhoeffer's life-the theologian and the spy- and draws them together to tell a searing story of incredible moral courage n the face of monstrous evil".

(the above is an excerpt from the back cover of this book)

Being a college graduate and now a stay at home mom I thought that it wouldn't hurt to choose a book that would challenge me and teach me something.

Unfortunately, I may have chose the wrong time in my life to take on such a massive book.  542 pages that seemed to move so slowly between my fingers. 

If you enjoy history and if you enjoy biographies, than by all means I encourage you to pick this up and give it a whirl.

If, on the other hand, you are like me and you don't typically pick up pieces of non-fiction or biographies for that matter than I might recommend that you hold off.

Unfortunately, I did not complete this book.  It is getting shelved for the time being.

Maybe when I don't have an infant vying for all my attention I'll pick it up and give it another go around.

I am still very intrigued by Bonhoeffer and all that he did and accomplished in his life, just not right now.

I received this book free from the publishers through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Book #19: stumbling INTO grace - Lisa Harper

Confessions of a Sometimes Spiritually Clumsy Woman

Lisa Harper is the kind of author whose honesty pulls you in and whose genuine heartfelt stories keeps you wanting more.

Upon reading this book I felt as though I had gained a friend in the author.

I felt as though there are women out there that we can be honest with who won't judge us for our shortcomings.

I felt peace and comfort in knowing that God will guide me to those women and that through him I will find peace in my own spiritual pitfalls.

Reading about Harper's relationships and encounters with others puts my own randomly daily rendezvous into perspective and enlightened me as to how I should be a better steward in each situation.

Her book is broken into three parts.

Part 1: Real Life covers topics such as fear, pride, desiring to know God, discernment, and recognizing all size blessings.  

Part 2: Real Gifts covers humility/judgement, 1-on-1 relationship with God, trust, friendship, and rest.

Part 3: Real Growth covers forgiveness, openness with emotion, our marriage to Christ, lightening our load, and finding peace.

Although I read this book straight through as an individual and found it to be enlightening and enjoyable the book is set up for a number of uses.  Harper designs a book that can be read as I did, read as a daily devotional, or studied as a group.  The end of each chapter provides you with a prayer, personal reflection and/or group discussion questions, and a journal entry prompting.  This book may not have taught me anything new, but it did teach me a new way to approach ordinary, everyday situations.

An excerpt from the books conclusion reads:

"The older I get, the more convinced I am that admittedly flawed sinners are the most credible witnesses of Jesus, because people with scars can't fake moral perfection.  It's glaringly apparent we can't save ourselves.  Wounded Christian warriors with scabby knees, bruised hearts, and even track-marked arms, who sometimes stumble yet always grab onto the arm of His Spirit in order to stand up again and again, exemplify the redemptive power of divine grace.  We prove how miraculous and restorative the love of God really is."

This excerpt really summarizes Lisa's overall point.  None of us is perfect.  Some of us do a better job of pretending we are, while others visual scars give them away more undeniably.  It is in our best interest to shed the veil of perfection and proclaim our inadequacies so as to bring ourselves closer to God the Father.  It is only through him that we will ever know what perfection looks like.

I highly encourage you to pick this book up, read it, and apply it to your daily life.

I received this book free from the publishers through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Book #17: A Place Called Blessing - John Trent PhD

This is a book that will make you smile, make you cry, give you goosebumps and most importantly make you look inside yourself and evaluate how you view others.

This book is probably one of the best books I've read in a long time.

It was an easy read and one that I couldn't put down.

A Place Called Blessing follows the story of a young boy, named Josh.  The youngest of three boys and born into a family with misguided parents.  Tragedy strikes and the boys are all sent to live in foster care. They move from home to home eventually living together until tragedy strikes yet again and the brothers are torn apart.  Josh grows up and out of the system jaded and scarred from a life of bad happenings.  He randomly lands in a small town while trying to accomplish his dream of having his own place, a car, and some privacy.  The family that helps him get on his feet not only shows him that they love each other deeply, but that they are able to love him as well.  The twist in this story is one that awakens your soul.  It causes you to think "could I be that gracious"?
I highly encourage everyone to pick up a copy of this book, read it, live it, and pass it on!

I received this book free from the publishers through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book #16: The Shelter of God's Promises - Sheila Walsh

The Shelter of God's Promises by Sheila Walsh is definitely a book I would recommend for  group setting and not as much for in individual study.

Sheila Walsh states her main objective in writing this book was that she wants to show the promises of God that we can use through the good and bad we encounter daily.

As this book begins it explains what promises are and how God's promises differ from our own man made promises.  Once she explains what promises are she explains what provisions are.  What are the things that we need on a daily basis?  Not the things that we THINK we need, but the things we actually need and how can we trust that God will provide those for us?  Which leads back to God's promises.  Ultimately, if we can believe in God's promises we should feel a certain sense of peace in our life that is unmatched by anything that is of this earth.  This peace grants us the ability to give up fear and know that we are never truly alone.  The next step in understanding the shelter of God is to understand that even when we can't see through our pain God is still there and his plan in still in motion.  We must dig deep to find the confidence to know that God's plan is bigger and better than anything we could have planned for ourselves.

About half way through the book we start to touch on the topics of love, grace, hope and strength.  These topics teach us that we are ALWAYS loved, ALWAYS forgiven, NEVER broken beyond repair, and that God will never give us more than we can handle.

As you finish this book you will discover that Walsh is telling us what God has been trying to convince us of for quite some time.  There is something better, it's HIM.  No matter how far we have strayed or how far we feel we've pushed from HIM we always have a future with him.  He has a home prepared for us and it's as simple as trusting in the promises he set before us before we were born.

As previously stated I highly recommend this book for a group study and urge the use of the study in the back of the book to provoke questioning and thought.  

I received this book free from the publishers through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book #13: Voices of the Faithful Book 2-Beth Moore

A continuation of an already amazing yearly devotional.  Beth Moore, Kim Davis, and the International Mission Board do it again.

"Even if you and I don't get our words right, if our hearts are right, God hears them". ~Beth Moore

How eloquently stated.  

More often than not we feel that words can not express our feelings.

That words are not adequate enough.

This compilation of words from multiple missionaries and individuals shows us that words can be enough.

It also reminds us that when words fail us God knows our hearts and that is more than enough.

This book not only has a devotion for each day, but breaks each month into a different focus.

January for example gives us devotionals based on "Prayer, the Priority", whereas June teaches us of "The Power of a Story".  Each day will provide you with an opening verse, a true story of God's works, and a closing prayer.  

If you haven't read Voices of the Faithful Book 2, I highly encourage you to start your year off with it and see where God leads you this year.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”