Unplanned by Abby Johnson

Abby Johnson's story presents a unique perspective on the pro-life v. pro-choice debate.  She has been on both sides.  Abby was once the director of a Planned Parenthood clinic that performed abortions, until witnessing an ultrasound-guided abortion that opened her eyes.  She has since continued to support women - but this time from a different viewpoint.  This story takes you behind the scenes of Planned Parenthood and the Coalition for Life and will make you evaluate your stand on this important issue.

One thing I appreciated about this book is that it presents a well-rounded view of both sides of the debate.  Abby writes," We all long for a story that shows that our side is right and good, and their side is wrong and bad, don't we?  But I testify that there is good and right and wrong on both sides of the fence.  And even more shocking - we have far more in common with the other side than we might imagine."  Reading about this experience helps me to be more understanding and compassionate.  Both sides have good intentions - they both truly want to help women!  However, beliefs cause us to disagree on how that is best done.

Abby's story demonstrates that love and prayer are powerful.  It took many years for God to change her heart.  But once He did, He used her to make a real impact in the world!  Many people prayed for and patiently loved Abby while she was working at the clinic.  It's really neat to see how those efforts paid off and how God orchestrated her journey.

The only thing I didn't like about the book is that it seemed very repetitive.  I wanted to know her thoughts, feelings, and motivations....but once or twice is enough.  Instead the book consistently reminds the reader of thoughts already written about, which to me was slightly annoying.

Overall - great insight into an important issue.  I know her story has made a difference, and will continue to make a difference, in the lives of women.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver

This book was first published 14 years ago.  Even though I knew it was popular, I am just now getting around to reading it!  The topic is one I believe every Christian woman has struggled with...how to find intimacy with God in the busyness of life.  How do we balance work and worship?  Joanna uses the biblical story of Mary & Martha, as well as her own experiences, to shed light on this difficult question.

My biggest take-away from this book is perspective.  Even though Martha got her priorities mixed up at times, she had something of great value - a teachable heart.  Joanna writes, "Martha thought she had value because she was productive.  Jesus wanted her to learn she had value simply because she was his.  I'm sure Martha's feelings must have smarted at Jesus' rebuke.  After all, no one enjoys the exposure of his or her blunders.  I wouldn't be surprised if there was a moment when Martha was tempted to pack up her bruised ego and stomp out of the room....But instead, Martha stuck around and heard Jesus out.  And if we want to be his disciples, we must be willing to do the same.  Even when his words cross our will."  We are all works in progress. If we maintain a teachable heart, we can learn from our mistakes and slowly be transformed.  I like that Joanna was transparent in sharing her own transformational journey.

The only thing I didn't care for is the overlap of information between this book and the future books written in this series.  I had read Lazarus Awakening previously...which I now know is an expanded form of Chapter 8 from this book. 

The Study Guide included in the back of the book makes it a great choice for a Women's Group.  It is a 12-week study, with 8 discussion questions per chapter.  Discussing in a group would help with life application and accountability.

If you would like to shift your focus away from your busyness, and dwell on some ways to connect with God and find balance in your life - this book is for you!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Fearless by Eric Blehm

I didn't grow up in a military family and I don't know many people who serve in the armed forces.  This book gave me a greater appreciation for what our soldiers go through in order for us to be free. 

Adam Brown was a Navy SEAL who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country and he wanted his story to be shared.  His story isn't just one of a soldier...it's a story of a man who rose from the pit of drug addiction to become a hero.  Fearless is the perfect name for this book.  Adam was fearless to the point of being reckless....but that trait is what set him apart as a true warrior who persevered through many trials that would have caused others to quit. 

This biography was put together through the memories of Adam's friends, family, and fellow SEALS, as well as journal entries and official documents.  It is very well-written and interesting to read.  I never found myself bored with unnecessary details or background information.  The type of man Adam was during the majority of his life is inspiring.  His faith, priorities, perseverance, and courage are to be admired.  I enjoyed the many pictures shared throughout the book as well.

I highly recommend reading this book about a true American hero, Adam Brown. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Thrive:Student Edition by Mark Hall

Do you want to merely survive, or to thrive?  While the content of this book is applicable to anyone, I decided to read the Student Edition specifically to decide how I could use the teaching at home with my boys, or in our youth group at church.  The main message of Thrive comes from Psalm 1 and the picture of the tree you see on the front cover.  The basic idea is that a balanced Christian life has two parts: digging deep into our personal relationship with Jesus (strong roots) and reaching out to others.  In order to thrive we must have both.

This book is great for students because the chapters are short! There are 30 chapters, each 4-8 pages long.  The content is a mixture of story, Scriptural teaching, and application.  At the end of each chapter is the main "Point to Remember" which helps to maintain focus. 

One topic under the reaching out section that spoke to me was about obedience.  Mark Hall writes "We're looking so forward to tomorrow that we're tripping over today....Doing big things for God is not some grand movement to shoot for in the future.  Doing big things for God just means doing the very next thing he says."  And the Point to Remember: "God doesn't want us to live in the future but in his Now."

For those who are impacted by song, you will be pleased to know that several of Casting Crowns' song lyrics are explained and woven into the teaching.  Listening to the songs afterward is great reinforcement and will help to keep the message fresh.

While it is still in the "Coming Soon" stages, it appears that there will be video teachings accessible through Casting Crowns website that will supplement the book.  So youth leaders - be on the lookout for that!

I recommend this book to anyone who has already committed to following Jesus and wants to get a better idea of what that looks like - and desires to thrive.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

The One Year Devotions for Active Boys

Active boys are something I am quite familiar with.  At ages 7, 9, & 11, mine keep me on-the-go!  I think this is a good devotional for their age group.  (pre-junior high) Each devotion is one-page long and numbered with a specific day of the year. 

The components of each devotion are:

*A few paragraphs containing a story/lesson.

*Some type of activity: a craft, puzzle, weird facts, experiment, quiz, or jokes related to the topic.

*A prayer prompt.

*A scripture

The activity section is what makes this devotional different than others I've seen.  My younger boys enjoy the weird facts and jokes.  My oldest likes the puzzles.  None of them are too fond of the crafts.  So while each activity might not appeal to each child, there is enough variety to appeal to different personalities.

Having a devotional geared toward boys and their need to "do" something is a great idea.  It's an extra incentive to open the book each day and set their mind on God's truth!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible (review)

This reference resource helps the reader answer these 2 questions for each book of the Bible:  "What does it say?" and "Why does it matter?".  Within an average of 3 to 4 pages, the authors describe the setting/background, a summary of the main points/events, and some thoughts as to the significance of each book.

Most study bibles contain summaries to introduce each book.  If you have a study bible, you may not feel that this book is necessary.  However, different authors may add unique thoughts, or word something in a new way.  I like to read various perspectives and ideas on the text I'm studying.  The "significance" section is key for me - what's the point in reading if I can't apply it to my life or understand why it matters? Even though I have a study bible, I want a collection of other resources that I can refer to and glean insight from - which is what I am using this book for.

The language in this resource is easy enough for most people to grasp - no need to get a theology degree first.  I also like how when describing major themes and events presented in a book, the authors provide Scripture references so that it can be easily located.

So if you'd like a good reference book that helps you see the big picture, and is much less detailed than a commentary - this may be what you are looking for!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

Revolutionary by Krista McGee

Revolutionary is the final book in the fictional Anomaly trilogy by Krista McGee.  If you enjoy recent movies/books like The Hunger Games and Divergent - this is a series you should check out!  You will find similar themes such as teens breaking the status quo to do what's right.  But you can also be assured that there are no "questionable" scenes in this story that parents might find inappropriate.

I find it difficult to review a fictional book without giving away any of the plot, but I will do my best.  The series as a whole is about a group of scientists who decided the best way to solve the world's problems was to wipe the slate clean and start over with a generation devoid of emotions.  The main character is an anomaly.  She is on a journey of discovery that finally leads her to fight for the freedom of humanity.  That is essentially the focus of this book - how to stop the bad guys and free the world.

Positive Lessons:

• How to trust in God when He seems distant
• Overcoming jealousy in order to work together
• Forgiveness
• Self-Sacrifice

I did find myself hoping for a little more in the conclusion of this story.  There was a weird love triangle theme that I could have done without.  I was also hoping that the main character would see God come through in a way that only He could. (I can't say any more than that without revealing too much...sigh.)

Bottom Line: The book (and the entire series) is entertaining and appropriate for teenagers.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.