I'm dreaming ... how about you?

It has been awhile since I completed a book review, yet this is not because I am not reading as general,y I am reading 3 to 4 books at the same time. The reason for the late review is more about reading and re-reading the ideas in this book by John Maxwell. I finished the reading of this book last summer yet one year later I am writing the review.

I found this book helpful for looking at my dream of becoming a writer. The ten questions Maxwell uses are excellent in helping an individual see and seize their dream. For me, I feel as if I am seeing, seizing and owning my dream when I take intentional steps to blog, to read, and to write for others when requested.

One of the most beneficial parts of this book is towards the end of the book where Maxwell walks you through creating a map for your dream. I love this part because it takes you through a concrete exercise that is helpful for realizing your dream.

On a scale of 1-10 I would rate this book at a "10". This is a book that I will return to my bookshelf and refer to often. I will re-read this book during my extra chunks of time in the summer and fall, winter and spring school breaks when I actually have extra time to write. I'm dreaming big ... how about you?

Divine Time Out, Punishment or Gift of Joy

In the chapter on Sabbath Silence by Allender, the author states “The Sabbath is like every other gift—it requires practice and discipline to grow in delight.” Keeping the Sabbath day holy is one of the disciplines I have continued to study and learn for the purpose of changing the way I  look at practicing my Sabbath. This is why I choose the book Sabbath The Ancient Practices Series from Book Sneeze http://www.booksneeze.com/ where I participate in blogging for books.

If  you or someone you know desires more of God through a Sabbath Rest I would recommend this book. In Allender’s chapter, Acting out the Sabbath in Ritual and Symbol he gives some very practical ways of beginning your Sabbath the evening before. This was an easy quick read, and was much of the author’s opinions, rather than a study of the Sabbath through the scriptures, but a book to have in your library for reference none the less.

Because this is an old testament command and not merely a good idea, I believe that this book could have done a much better job of representing the Scriptures and what God Himself states on the discipline of the Sabbath.

Thomas Nelson has provided me with a free copy of this book for review purposes

How about you how do you practice your Sabbath?

Where Hearts Are Free

I was able to get lost in a world of romance, family and history from the 1600's through the reading of this novel by Parsons. I was impressed with the written language descriptions in this book. It was a 3rd novel in a series but was easy to read as a stand alone.

I enjoyed the storyline and loved that this romance takes place between two different classes of people represented in the lives of the Barringtons and the Clavell's. I could pick up this book and get lost in another world because of the history content. The idea of an arranged marriage was intriguing ... "Ella took Davey from Bridget, "I'm sorry for you, Gigi. Sorry that you are entering this marriage with such dread, but you are going to have to resolve yourself to it and make the best of it. Who Knows? Perhaps you will fall madly in love with Edward on your wedding night." When in fact this arranged marriage has some very interesting twists of suspense toward the end of the novel.

Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book to review.

The Heavens Proclaim His Glory Created and Compliled by Lisa Stilwell

After having finished a road trip vacation around some of God's Handiwork I was pleasantly surprised to read and more importantly linger on the pages of this book. There are amazing pictures of creation taken through the Lens of the Hubble Telescope. Not only are the pictures amazing but the selection of words with pictures are well thought out and placed though out the book. There are so many wonderful combinations of words and photos that it is hard to pick favorites. It is profound to think of "more stars in the universe than there are grains of sand on the beaches of the world" as stated by Joni Eareckson Tada. And what beautiful "snapshots reveal dramatic activities within the core of the galaxy NGC 3079."

I would say for me personally the scriptures are descriptive of the photos and the quotes from various Christian authors add to the photos as well. I liked the end of the book where the history of both photos and contributing authors are summarized. This would be a great addition to a family room coffee table and would also make a wonderful gift book for a friend. The Heavens do indeed proclaim His Glory though out the beauty of this book!

Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book to review.