Still Lolo by Lauren Scruggs

Despite all the media exposure, I had not heard of Lauren Scruggs until reading her book, Still Lolo. A few years ago Lauren lost her left eye and hand through contact with an airplane propeller.  This book is a family's testimony to the faithfulness of God through this accident and various other challenges.

The story is written from several different viewpoints including Lauren, her mother, her father, and her twin sister.  After reading the back cover, I assumed the book was primarily written by Lauren, and mostly about her recovery and the issues she had to overcome.  I had assumed wrong.  Over half of the book is about events before the accident.  Her parents write about their marriage issues and Lauren shares a lot about life leading up to the accident.  While some back story is important, I had expected less "before" and more "after".

The Scruggs family has a powerful testimony to share.  Lauren writes, "I saw that if I chose to let the accident ruin me, it would....I came to see how there was so much more to my life than being worried about how I looked....Most of all, I want to be a living testimony to the truth that suffering may strip a lot from you and me, but it doesn't need to steal our hope."  Lauren is a beautiful girl with a sweet spirit and a strong faith.  She is a fighter. Teen girls would benefit greatly from her message and example.

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

Sun Stand Still Devotional

I had read Steven Furtick's book Sun Stand Still when it was published a few years ago.  So when I saw this devotional I wondered if and how it related to the book.  This review is for people like me who might wonder "Hmm..I already have the book...should I buy the devotional too?"

The devotional contains 40 short readings that will allow you to examine your faith and hopefully give it a boost!  Each reading contains a key verse, a suggested Bible reading, a page or two of text, and a prayer focus.

Several (roughly half) of the devotional titles are also titles from the Sun Stand Still book chapters.  These devotions are basically excerpts from the chapter.  I tend to like the book chapters for the additional examples and stories. But for someone who just wants the main point, or who wants a short reminder of what the book chapter was about, these devotions are perfect.  By using the same titles, someone can easily find where the content overlaps.  The other devotions follow the same train of thought but are not taken directly from the book....they are newly published material.

If you are looking for a series of short devotional readings focused on faith - this book is a good choice.  The brief stories and insight into Scripture are easy to read and relate to.  For those who don't like to read (like my husband) and want to hear Steven's message without all the commentary of the book - this is a good choice.  But for those who already own the book and enjoy reading, like myself, I would not spend more money on a book that repeats some of the same information.

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

One Light Still Shines by Marie Monville

I remember hearing about the Amish schoolhouse shooting that happened in 2006.  I heard about how the Amish were quick to offer forgiveness and it warmed my heart.  But I never thought much about Marie, the wife of the shooter, and how this event would have changed her life forever. 

I absolutely loved this book!  Marie is quick to share in the beginning that this book is not about sharing all the details of what happened in the schoolhouse that day.  She was not there.  The story that she has to share is the story of hope and redemption that arose from the ashes of this terrible tragedy.  She shares of the heartache and worries that she and her children had to face.  But she also beautifully identifies that ways that God was at work through circumstances and the kindness of others that reminded her of His presence and plan for redemption.  Be sure to have some tissues handy...you'll need them!

Marie shares her story to help others going through hard times.  She says "On this side of heaven, for all of us, God doesn't always spare us the loneliness, remove the pain, or still the storm.  So I ask you: How often do we miss the light because we fail to look for it?  How many times do we turn away from the tiny flicker that reveals his presence because we shut our eyes tight, insisting that he remove the darkness? ... No matter how tragic your circumstances, your life is not a tragedy.  It is a love story.  And in your love story, when you think all the lights have gone out, one light still shines.  Step into my story and I'll show you how to see that light."

The other thing I like about this book is that it presents tangible ways that we can love others through their pain.  I can't help but be inspired by the many ways Marie and her family were blessed through the kindness of the Amish, friends, and even strangers.  God can and will use us to shine his light into the lives of others.  I highly recommend this book. 

Thank you, Marie, for sharing your story.

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

Knowing God By Name by Jaynes, Smith, & Southerland

Knowing God By Name is designed to be an 8-week devotional.  Each week contains 5 devotions that each highlight a name of God.  That is followed by a "Now It's Your Turn" section on Day 6 which can be used for personal study/reflection or in a small group setting.  The purpose is not to list every name of God, but to provide insight and opportunities to reflect on who God is and grow closer to Him.

The three authors take turns in presenting the names of God.  In each reading we learn the Hebrew or Greek name and what it means, where we see it used in the Bible, and what that name has meant to the author.  It is followed by a prayer.  I thought the presentation was very good and helped me to focus on that one attribute of God each day.  I would have liked the pronunciation to be provided for each name within the chapter.  While that wasn't done, there is a pronunciation guide in the back of the book.  There is just something cool about praying each name in the original language.

Day 6 for each week is more in-depth.  There is a section entitled "Time for Reflection" that would be perfect for a small group.  There are verses to look up and questions to answer related to that weeks readings.  There are also links to worship songs and a page or two for journaling your thoughts.  Another group resource can be found on the Girlfriends in God website...free brief videos by the authors to introduce you to each week of readings.

While anyone can benefit from this devotional, I think it will have the most impact if done in a group setting. So get your girlfriends together and get started!

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

Little Book of Great Dates

My husband and I have been married for 13 years.  While we have several date nights in a month, we typically do the same things.  I decided to take a peek at this little book to see what kind of ideas I could get for varying our dating routine. 

Greg and Erin Smalley have put together 52 ideas for great dates.  Each entry consists of a few paragraphs explaining a theme (such as listening, traditions, simple gifts, and trust), followed by a suggested activity and conversation starter questions.  There are also ideas for Valentines Day, Anniversary, and other special occasions.

Many of the activities are fairly typical date suggestions.  Living in a small town somewhat limits what is available for us to do.  I did find a few new ideas such as picking out a new recipe and cooking something together, or playing hide and seek in a mall and texting your spouse clues to find you.  The thing I like most is focusing on a theme for the date and having questions to discuss over dinner.  It will be a nice way to keep conversation focused on our relationship.

So if you need some date ideas, or even just some topics for conversation, give this little book a try!

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

Forgiveness by Matthew West

Matthew West, a popular Christian musician, invited people from all walks of life to share with him their stories of forgiveness.  The result is this small book and several songs that the stories inspired.

The stories are divided into sections: Forgiving Others, Asking for Forgiveness, Forgiving Yourself, and Embracing God's Forgiveness.  After each story is shared, the author writes a few pages expanding on the theme and sharing his own experiences and Scriptures.  I was very impressed with the way the book was organized and how well it flowed!  Forgiveness is a tough topic, but I think it was presented here in a way that was easy to understand and interesting to follow.  I'm sure every person can relate to at least one, if not many, of the stories laid open on these pages.

The story that spoke the loudest to me was written by a pastor's wife.  She says "I never expected the sources of my greatest hurt in life to come not from people in the world, but from people inside the walls of a church."  After being a pastor's wife for only 3 months now, I could relate so well and was able to benefit from the lessons she and her husband learned.  Her husband (also Matthew West's father) shared with him these words, "Son, people will let you down.  Even God's people will let you down.  Your mom and I will let you down.  But you must keep your eyes on God at all times.  You cannot let your view of God be tainted by the imperfections of His people." Amen.

For fans of Matthew West's music, this book will explain what inspired several of his newest songs.  Songs like "Forgiveness", "Restored", "Hello, My Name Is", and "Love Stands Waiting" were all written in honor of a person's story.  Hearing those stories forever changed the meaning of the music for me. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with or wants to understand more about forgiveness.  It really can set you free.

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

Raising Boys By Design by Jantz & Gurian

Since I have 3 boys, ages 6-10, this book got my attention.  Of course I want my sons to thrive and "grow into the strong loving men God created them to be."  The question is...did this book help me as a mother?

While I can't say that I learned much new, I can say that this book took information that I've heard from various sources and combined them all into one resource.  In one book, these authors provide info on how boys develop and think differently than girls, what they need emotionally from mom and dad, important character qualities to encourage, sexuality issues, school performance, technology, rites of passage, and faith.  Whew!  Each chapter concludes with action steps to take.

The drawback to touching on all these issues, and the authors being a psychologist and a counselor, is that I found the book to be dry.  These was an occasional story here and there, but most of the text was slow moving and I had a hard time staying focused and interested.

The one new idea that I really liked is providing the adolescent boy a "rite of passage" which allows him to go on a journey toward manhood and connect with older men as mentors.  Tim Wright has developed a curriculum that churches can use to offer this program called Following Jesus: A Heroic Quest for Boys (www.heroicquestforboys.com).  I would love for my boys to participate in something like this when they are at the right age.

Would I recommend this book?  It depends.  For someone who doesn't read much and wants an overview of all these topics and how they relate to boys -go for it.  There is good info in these chapters.  However, if you like to read and would rather read multiple books that are more enjoyable (rather than one that is a bit slower), I would keep searching.

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