Eternity is Now in Session by John Ortberg

When I saw this book was available for review by Tyndale, I didn’t hesitate to request it. John Ortberg has a way of putting things in perspective. In part 1, it’s about rethinking our Salvation and part 2 is walking with Jesus. He mentions the new show series, “The Good Place” which features that if you do enough good things, you will end up in the good place. I have seen this series and it’s all based on being good enough. Spoiler alert ahead: it turns out that it is not the good place but the bad place. Most recently, they keep sending back the people to earth to try and get them in the good place. That’s not how Jesus works. We have one chance on this earth. We will not be returned for a second chance.

John Ortberg uses biblical examples throughout the book to help us understand Jesus. On page 116, he states, “But Jesus always sees beyond our words to our hearts, Jesus always sees beyond what we ask to what we really need. In that regard, he is looking out for our best interests. I know there have been many times that I have been frustrated when God says no to me. Only do I realize later, that he had a better plan for me. It’s a great reminder that we need to trust Him. Just like we parent our children, He parents us and gives us what we need not what we want. Or shall I say, what we think we want.

If you want to live for Jesus and understand his teachings, John Ortberg is a great author to read. I recommend his books to Pastors and anyone who would like to further understand Jesus and his teachings.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review through Tyndale Blog Network.

The Hidden Side by Heidi Chiavaroli

Natalie Abbott is a professional radio host who gives advice on her show. Answers come easy until she suffers one of the worst tragedies that a parent could endure. One act causes a heartbreak for the family and community. In the midst of chaos, she finds a journal by Mercy Howard from the late 1700’s.

Among Mercy Howard’s journals is pain, deceit, and love. Natalie finds some comfort in the journals. Mercy is hiding too but from something just as painful. She watched her fiancé be hung for being a spy. Now she has her own secrets.

When one of Natalie’s twins commits a crime, she is caught between the family, the community, and the love for her child. And not to mention the twin left behind to deal with the repercussions.

My favorite character is Maelynn. She is sandwiched between the love for her boyfriend and for her brother. She is the one caught in the middle of everything and exposes the truth in an unexpected way. It can’t be retracted. It’s done. The choice has been made. The ugly truth is out.

I lost sleep finishing the story. Heidi Chiavaroli did a great story weaving the historical and contemporary story together. Different eras but both experience pain, betrayal, love and God’s faithfulness.

If you love to see how God can transform people through the history of time, read this book. I was given a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange of an honest review.

Picturing Heaven: 40 Hope-Filled Devotions with Coloring Pages written by Randy Alcorn and illustrated by Lizzie Preston

This is a beautiful coloring book. I’ve always wanted to try adult coloring but didn’t because most of them do not draw me in. Heaven does. It’s a reminder that this is not our home. The book contains beautiful illustrations with gold tones. I happen to love the gold contrast because it reminds me that heaven will be full of beauty. The illustrations include: verses, animals, music, young, old, and in-between souls, and the beautiful cross among many other pictures. There’s even a place you can write some notes at the end of the book.

It’s not only a coloring book but a devotional. There’s familiar verses such as, “This is the way to have eternal life-to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” John 17:3 (page 68). It states that the primary happiness in Heaven will be knowing and seeing God. Oh what a wonderful day that will be!

It’s said that coloring is a way to calm and relax your mind. I’m looking forward to filling the book with the colors of my imagination. That’s the beauty of coloring. We can each make the pages are own and how we see life and God.

I highly recommend this coloring book to anyone who loves to color.  I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review through Tyndale Blog Network.