NIV Essentials Study Bible

I love this bible! Just as the title indicates, it’s a NIV Essentials Study Bible. It’s essential because the publishers have combined portions of several books into one bible. They include the NIV Study Bible, NIV Quest Study Bible, NIV Archaeological Study Bible, NIV Student Bible, The Great Rescue Bible and the Essential Bible Companion.

Each book begins with a book introduction, which includes the key concepts, the purpose, key verses, terms, teachings, maps, and even photos. At the bottom of the pages, there are additional notes to help you understand the meaning of the verses.

The people in focus lens helps you learn a little bit more about certain characters such as Job and tackles the question of why bad things happen to good people. I’m sure we all felt like Job at one time or another.

The Q & A lens tackles difficult questions such as why did God choose such sinful people to be judges or does God allow pain in order to display his power? Or how about what is my purpose in life and how can I be certain of it?

The guided tour sections are notes from the NIV Student Bible. One talks about how Daniel and Ezekiel had leadership abilities and how they were taken prisoner. Have you ever taken a stand as a matter of integrity? It helps you reflect on your own life.

The insight excerpts are similar to a short magazine article such ‘Ecology Plus’ and how nature plays a role and that it is part of God’s work. Then there are short box highlights that help emphasize a particular verse.

Finally, the reflect and respond section will help you to reflect on a certain aspect such as prayer and why we are told to pray. And helps you to not only think about prayer but live it.

The layout is pleasing to the eye. The black and blue font makes it easy to read. This bible provides different reading plans such as reading the bible in a year, a 60-day overview of the bible, 20 not-so-famous stories of the bible, etc. It includes a concordance and colorful maps.

I recommend this bible to anyone who wants to not only read the bible but also delve deeper into the word of God.

Disclaimer: I received this bible free from the publisher (Thomas Nelson) through their booksneeze program and was not required to write a positive review.

In Broken Places by Michele Phoenix

Shelby’s childhood is riddled with abuse. The abuser was her father but her mother, in some ways, was to blame for allowing it to happen. Her brother, Trey, is her savior in many ways. Through the abuse, they became closer not only as kids but as adults. Shelby is content with being alone. Through a twisted set of events, she becomes a single mom.

Shelby moves to Germany but it doesn’t take away her memories. She is a mom to Shayla, a sweet girl who is a typical four-year-old who is wonderful and challenging at the same time. Is she really meant to take on this role? Can she move on with her life? Will she ever find true love?

I love the part of her brother, Trey. He was involved in her life even though he was thousands of miles away. The loved they shared was phenomenal.

This story really made me think of how our past does affect how we view our future. It’s easy to listen to the demons that swirl around in your head. When you live with childhood abuse for such a long period of time, it begins to feel real. The lies become the truth. It’s only after you are away from the dysfunction that you realize how wrong it really is. It doesn’t define you. You have the power to change. You have the power to forgive.

Shelby struggles to make peace with her past and moving forward. This book is about the power of forgiveness.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher (Tyndale). I was not required to write a positive review.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Classic Edition)

I’ve been a fan of Dave Ramsey for the past several years. There is a difference between being a fan and actually following through what he teaches. The plan is not difficult. It’s a matter of telling your money ‘where to go’ each month. It’s called a zero based budget. Every dollar has a name. It will take a few months to get it down.

If you want to get an updated version, buy this book and maybe gift the first book to a friend, co-worker, family member, or whoever might benefit. If you have even one credit card, then you need to read this book. Don’t be fooled by the gimmicks of free miles, points, and zero percent interest. It’s a trap. Recognize the trap and avoid it at all costs.

Throughout the book, there are stories that will inspire you to get out of debt. Mr. Ramsey debunks many myths including this one:  Myth: Debt consolidation saves interest, and you have one smaller payment. Sounds true, right? The Truth: Debt consolidation is dangerous because you only treat the symptom. As Dave says, “Debt CONsolidation-it’s nothing more than a con because you think you’ve done something about the debt problem. You just moved it!”

In the back of the book, Dave gives you several forms that you can use in helping your family get out of debt including: irregular income planning, monthly cash flow plan, debt snowball, and more!

I highly recommend this book to people who want to live the true American dream and get out of debt so they can “live like no-one else” and be able to “give like no-one else.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Memory's Door by James L. Rubart

This is the second book of the series of ‘A Well Spring Novel.’ I spent most of last Saturday and finished the book close to Monday at midnight. I was determined to finish the story even though I sacrificed sleep!

Like most books in a series, you can read it as a stand-alone; however, you’ll end up wanting to read the first one to see how the story was told. James L. Rubart is an awesome storyteller. The words were so vivid and clear. I was so immersed that I felt like I was a part of the character’s life. I was in a different world.

The story is about the four members of the Warriors Riding and their fight against the enemy. Each one has their own struggle individually as well as a group. The enemy has found each of their weaknesses and attacked them. Satan is sly, evil, and most of all the Father of Lies. This book explores that spiritual fight that we all deal with. He whispers some truth among the lies, which make it difficult to discern what the truth is, and we can fall for the deception. Reece is the leader of the group but he is blind and the enemy is playing it against him.

The members have choices and their ultimate choice will affect them for eternity. Will they choose the right path? Or will they be deceived into the path of destruction?

The most powerful lesson in this book was the power of forgiveness and learning how to forgive oneself for a past regret or mistake. But it wasn’t the only message in the book. We always know what we want God to do for us. But sometimes God has other plans and is on a different timetable than us.  And many times He answers in a way that was totally unsuspected. Or how about our identity? We may be police officers, teachers, or singers but our real identity isn’t in those jobs.

It was amazing to read how James L. Rubart was able to weave all these powerful messages into a story that read seamless like a movie playing. I would highly recommend reading this book for anyone who loves to become part of another world but have the message infiltrate in his or her heart. It’s a book that will leave you still thinking about it the next day.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials i

Runaway Emotions by Jeff Schreve

Emotions. We all experience them but when the negative emotions hit, it can wreak havoc. They are similar to a fire alarm that continues to blare. We can try and keep them locked inside but unless we are willing to look at the real issue at hand, the situation will not get better.

Each emotion has an offsetting fire alarm. The trick is being able to find the source and address the problem. And not allow your emotions to get out of control. One such emotion is worry. As Jeff points out, “You anticipate the loss of something you value, and worry has you tied up like a mass gnarled fishing line.” Isn’t that the truth? We worry about something that may never happen. The warning is “your God-given sense of security is on fire.” We are told in the Bible, “Do not worry” but we do it anyway.

Throughout the book and for each emotion, Jeff gives sound advice directly from the Bible. He touches on the most common emotions such as embarrassment, frustration, loneliness, worry, anger, guilt, discontentment, and depression. I would venture to guess that you’ve all felt these emotions from time to time; however, there might be one or two emotions that you’ve struggled with the most. You do not need to read this book in the order that it’s written. If you struggle with anger, start with that chapter.

We all have negative emotions from time to time. But there is a way to turn off or turn down the sound of the fire alarm. Pick up this book and find out how.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Learning by Karen Kingsbury

Although this is book 2 of the Bailey Flanigan Series, it can be read as stand-alone.

Bailey and Cody are separate but continue in each other’s hearts. They may long to be together, but will it happen? Bailey begins to live her dream in New York as a dancer. New York is wonderful or is it? Bailey’s faith is put to the test when the dancers shun her for being selected because she was in a Hollywood film. Bailey has to work harder than ever to prove that she’s cut for the part. She is seeing Brandon Paul who was the co-star with her in the film Unlocked. He is spontaneous and is falling in love with Bailey. Can Bailey return the love?

In the meantime, Cody is a coach for a high school and he has his work cut out for him. The team hasn’t been successful with the last coach. Can Cody who relies on his faith turn the team around? Cody released Bailey due to circumstances beyond his control. He does it because he truly does love Bailey. But, did he make a mistake? He is now seeing Cheyenne who is tugging at his heart as each day goes on.

There is a glimpse of Landon and his health issues in this story and I wanted to know more. But, this is Bailey’s story not Landon’s. I believe the heart of the story is being able to live out your faith in the real world. It’s easy to do that when you are home or amongst your own friends. What about in the middle of being a star? It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the glamour and forget who brought you to that place.

I recommend this book to all of Karen Kingsbury fans. And don’t forget there is another book – Longing to continue with Bailey Flanigan. What will happen next? Guess we’ll have to read and find out.

I was given this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. To learn more about this book, check out http://zondervan.com/9780310276333 .

Boundaries for Leaders by Dr. Henry Cloud

Do you ever wonder why some leaders can motivate, lead, and retain their employees while others do not?

Boundaries for Leaders is a book for any leader who has employees who report to them. At first glance, I thought it was book to whip their employees in shape. It’s quite the opposite. It’s a leader’s bible on how leaders can take a look in the mirror, see how they can change, and then be able to motivate their employees to succeed in their jobs.

When employees are motivated and feel like they can make a difference, they perform better. I do believe the supervisor/leader does make or break the employee. If a leader is constantly on a short fuse, sends rude e-mails, and never takes time to listen, employees will become less apt to perform at their peak. Since they are berated no matter what they do, why try?

The key points in the book is being able create connections to your employees, motivate your team to perform at its peak, and leading in such a way that not only does the team excel but you remain ‘ridiculously in charge.’

I would recommend this book to any leader or anyone who wants to be a leader. The best leaders are not dictators but ones who take the time to learn how the brain works, build relationships, and create results.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”