Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health by Donald S. Whitney

Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health by Donald S. Whitney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Have you, like myself, wondered about your spiritual growth? Have you wished for a way to know whether you are growing in your walk with God or not? If so, this is a book you will enjoy! Whitney's 10 question guide will help you diagnose your spiritual health and in some cases, it may be the tool that diagnosis whether there is life at all.

I first heard about this book from several teachers at a Biblical counseling conference and was immediately intrigued by the idea of being able to diagnose my spiritual status. As the title suggests, it walks you through ten questions that help you get an understanding of where you are spiritually. While there is no scale, therefore there is no physical measurement of your spiritual well-being, this book is a tool to gain a better understanding of areas that need improvement and ways in which to do so. It is not the ultimate tool or ultimate test, but it can be a great aid to challenge, convict, and encourage you in your walk with Christ.

At first I was excited at this new "magic formula" that was sure to help me. But I quickly found, that as any good author should, Whitney takes you to Scripture for the source of our spiritual evaluation. Ten Questions is a informative first read that will easily become a quick reference manual to add to your bookshelf for future use. I highly benefited from this book and I think most Christians will if they use it in the proper context of which a tool should be used.

This explanatory and applicable read is good for older high school ages and on up.

A Meal With Jesus by Tim Chester

A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission around the Table by Tim Chester
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I have always known that The Son of Man came to "seek and save the lost" but never have I thought about The Son of Man coming to eat and drink as found in Luke 7:34. In this short, yet very thought-provoking read Tim Chester digs into the book of Luke to show us how Jesus used meals as more than just a time to nourish His body but rather a time to feed the souls of many. Using the example of Jesus, Chester exhorts us in 6 chapter to apply the service of hospitality in our own lives to minister to the church and to the lost.

I personally loved the overall emphasis of this book and I walked away with a new perspective and understanding of Jesus' earthly ministry. Reading A Meal with Jesus challenged me to rethink my purpose in hospitality and convicted me to use this ordinary tool more often in sharing His grace with others. The message of this book is powerful and fresh.

This book gets 4 stars because of it's content and I highly recommend it. It's a rather short read at 143 pages long. (Contrary to what Goodreads.com says of it being 160 pages.) However, I found it a challenging book to read. Although it is only 6 chapters long, they were to me packed way too full and were not as succinct as they could have been. I frequently lost focus as he seemed to jump around a lot and make a simple point more wordy than necessary. While I personally don't have a problem with this, I feel bad in that more people would probably pick this good looking book up, begin to read it, and finish it if it was a bit less wordy. My challenge to you is for you to grab a copy and see for yourself. And if you agree with me, let me encourage you that is indeed worth pushing through to enjoy the whole book.

Overcoming Fear, Worry, & Anxiety by Elyse Fitzpatrick

Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety: Becoming A Woman of Faith and Confidence by Elyse Fitzpatrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Fear. Worry. Anxiety. These things are very real in many of our lives. For some of us they are greater challenges than for others. But no matter what level you are at in battling this deadly trio in your life this book by Elyse Fitzpatrick will equip you with Scripture that will show you how and enable you to overcome.

I appreciated this book personally because Elyse breaks it into three practical sections - Understanding Your Fears, The Source of Your Fears, & God's Answers to Your Fears - and then simply, yet deeply digs into God's Word and how it applies to these sins. You will walk away with a better understanding of how fear and worry affect your life and how applying the truth of Scripture will help you gain victory. My favorite chapter was chapter 8 which explains in easy-to-understand terms how a solid theology base is the staring point to overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety. Questions like, "Can God free me from fear?, are answered and straight-forward practical help is offered in every chapter. And Elyse will also help you see how fear is often times the symptom of something else you are struggling through.

I highly encourage anyone - man or woman - who has ever struggled little or much with these three areas to read this book. And maybe you don't think it applies to you, but reading it will help you to have compassion on and help others who do struggle with these areas. And quiet honestly, I don't think anyone can read this book without becoming convicted of something in their life! Elyse doesn't dance around the issue, but gets directly to the heart of the matter and offers both help and hope to her readers.

Martin Luther by Mike Fearon

Martin Luther by Mike Fearon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

For as far back as I can remember I have known who Martin Luther is and have had a vague understanding of his life. However, this wonderful little biography changed that for me! In roughly three hours of reading I gained a brief, yet thorough, overview of his life which began with great fear and ended with strong faith.

This 160 page book is short and easy-to-read, but could be a little challenging for younger teens to read. It might be a challenge worth making them work through since Luther's life is such an encouragement to the "average" person. Not only did I enjoy learning about Luther as a historical figure, but I reveled in learning about how God used an ordinary man to bring such extraordinary change to the church. And this short read lit the spark to read more about Luther and his life - especially his last 20 years being married to Katy!

Anyone who reads this book will walk away with more understanding of who Martin Luther really was, what his life work was all about, and be encouraged by how God an change what seems impossible to change. I highly recommend it to teens and adults both. It would also be a great book to read as a family for those with middle school age children and on up.

Everyday Talk by John Younts

Everyday Talk: Talking Freely and Naturally about God with Your Children by John Younts


MY REVIEW:

If you thought parenting was exhausting...wait till your read this book! And not only that, but you will also feel like an utter failure as a parent!

WAIT!

Before you click away because this sounds like a terrible book, let me share that this is THE BEST parenting book I have yet read. Yeah...that should say something because I have read a pile of parenting books!

While Everyday Talk will make it very clear to you that you are an imperfect parent, it will also greatly encourage you, humble you, and fill you with hope that through Christ you can point your children to God through the simplicity of your everyday talk. It's a short book and an easy read with Younts casual, but direct approach. He doesn't waste time trying to convince you of his ideas, but purposefully unpacks and applies scripture to our daily challenged as parents.

As you have already noticed, I like this book. I walked away with so much to apply and for the first time felt such clear purpose in the daily issues that I face as a mother. My favorite chapters were 6 and 7 that dealt directly with the most frustrating parts of parenting. And I also highly appreciated his chapter on music which was short and got right to the heart of the matter rather than being another essay on someone's personal opinion. If I had to sum up what I am walking away with it would be this: "Do I value God's holiness enough to allow it to influence and direct my moment by moment parenting?"

My one and only caution in this book is that Younts focuses a little more on the discipleship of children than the evangelism of children and I think we need to be cautious in that we never assure a child of their salvation or assume it. Not that he outright says this, just that he seems to lean more toward this side of the spectrum.

I recommend this book to parents, and I highly recommend it to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and those who work with kids on a regular basis. While the focus is directed to Moms and Dads, the wisdom and Biblical principals are beneficial to all who interact with children. I think that a parent's child-rearing could be even more effective when godly grandparents are on the same page and supporting their children rather than undermining them or discouraging them. The same goes for teachers, extended family members, and any adult close to the family.

Read and learn again and again with this gospel-centered, everyday book .

God’s High Calling For Women by John MacArthur

God's High Calling For Women by John F. MacArthur Jr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This short, 87 page book is an easy-to-read unpacking and explanation of 1 Timothy 2:9-15. It is like a mini commentary in the way that it digs into the passage, yet still flows like an easy reading book. In 4 short chapters John MacArthur explains the Biblical role of women as we find in 1 Timothy.

I personally appreciated the simplicity of this book - it's a "get in and get out" kind of read. In two hours I was able to read the entire book and take notes while really being impacted by it's message. While there are no lists of things to do or steps to take for change, learning the depth of what this passage means is enough to cultivate a desire for growth and/or change if you truly want to apply Scripture to your life. At the end of each chapter there is a short "Review" section that asks questions on what you read and helps you retain more and also would make a great discussion guide for a book club or Bible study.

I highly recommend this book to any woman or teen girl and think that it is a great individual read or perfect for discipleship or Bible study settings. It is a fabulous de-funking of false beliefs on women being second class in the Bible and a wonderful re-building of the high call God has placed on a woman's life.

Counsel From The Cross by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Dennis Johnson

Counsel from the Cross: Connecting Broken People to the Love of Christ by Elyse Fitzpatrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This wonderful, gospel-centered book is all about how God's love impacts our broken lives. While the title leads one to think that it is about counseling others, there is much in this book that will resonate within the heart of the reader.

I enjoyed the entire book, but especially appreciated the chapters on how the gospel applies directly with our sanctification, emotions, and relationships. After reading other books on the topic of the daily transforming grace of the gospel, these 3 chapters offered new perspective and a fresh look at these areas where I struggle to apply God's grace. The idea that our emotions are a good gift from God is almost mind blowing to me!

Counsel From The Cross is very similar to Because He Loves Me but comes from more of a "counseling" approach. However, while it repeats some of the same material, it also works through it in a different way that I found to be very helpful as I continue in understanding and applying the gospel to my everyday living. It certainly stands alone as a single book, but I would highly suggest reading Because He Loves Me first, especially if you have never read another book on the daily application of the gospel.

This is a deep book, but not so deep that it takes a degree to read it. I highly recommend it to anyone - teen and up - who desires to understand the gospel more and is willing to take the time and effort to study it out using the book as a guide.

Meet the Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Meet the Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I never knew about this series until Micah received it for Christmas. It is the cutest set of early reader books based on the original series of The Boxcar Kids. They are simplified and condensed to a young reader level, but still follow the basic outline of the older version. Each page has colorful illustrations and the story line is from the perspective of young Benny. I highly recommend this book - and this series - which is probably best for a first to second grade reading level or ages 4 to 8 for reading together.

John Calvin by Catherine Mackenzie

John Calvin Little Lights: What is the Truth by Catherine Mackenzie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

In my endeavor to introduce my children to men and women of strong faith I turned to the Little Lights biography series and this delightful book is the seventh out of eight in the series. It is appropriate for young children ages two to three and on up. This book is about the life of John Calvin and it begins the story when he was a young boy getting a funny haircut for school. It is a full picture book with relevant and life-like illustrations that capture the child's attention while reading the simple but comprehensive story line. It also contains picture captions that sum up the paragraph on the opposing page for the young readers who browse this book alone. While it can't cover John's life in great detail, it is a healthy balance between tid-bits that attract kids and the main points of his life and ministry. And the entire book is written in a beautiful flow that is easy for kids to understand and still interesting to older readers. I highly recommend this book to anyone with young children or who interacts with young children. You will be blessed and so will they!

Martin Luther by Catherine Mackenzie

Martin Luther Little Lights by Mackenzie Catherine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I really want my children to learn at young ages about the men and women who have poured out their lives to further the gospel for the generations to come. Martin Luther is one of those heroes of faith and this book is a perfect introduction for my children ages 4, 6, and 8.

It's a picture book and biography combined and it is fun to look at and interesting to read for both young and old. It is a fairly comprehensive overview of his life for such a small book meant for such young minds. I appreciate how it talks not just about his adult ministry, but begins with his childhood, too. This sweet book also includes captions on the picture page that sum up what is being read on the opposite page - kind of a "young reader" phrase that a first grader can read and still understand when browsing the book alone.

I highly recommend this book because it's a delightful short read perfect for any time and any age that brings to light the life of a faithful man after God's own heart.

A Hunger for God by John Piper

A Hunger for God: Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer by John Piper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This is a book I really wanted to read, but it took me a long time to finally read it because I knew I would be convicted. And, yes, I was.

John Piper eloquently and passionately explains fasting and it's Biblical basis as well as it's secular background. He digs into Scripture, both Old Testament and New Testament, to learn what place fasting has in our lives and they why and how behind doing it today in our own lives. I walked away having learned a lot, having been challenged immensely, and having been convicted of the fasting that is lacking in my own life. And most of all, I feel that I can now fast with a better understanding and purpose rather than a hastily thrown together desire "because it's the right thing to do".

I listened to the audio version of this book, but think that both print or audio are easy enough to work through. In fact, I may even lean more toward the print version since you can underline, re-read, and digest with greater thought a little easier than through simply hearing. This book is one you will most likely want to reference again and again and is worth buying for your own personal bookshelf.

I would highly recommend this book for older teens (15 and up) and adults to read if you desire to both understand and hunger for God more.


BOOK OVERVIEW:

There is an appetite for God. And it can be awakened. I invite you to turn from the dulling effects of food and the dangers of idolatry, and to say with some simple fast: "This much, O God, I want you."

Our appetites dictate the direction of our lives—whether it be the cravings of our stomachs, the passionate desire for possessions or power, or the longings of our spirits for God. But for the Christian, the hunger for anything besides God can be an arch-enemy. While our hunger for God—and Him alone—is the only thing that will bring victory.

Do you have that hunger for Him? As John Piper puts it: "If we don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because we have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Our soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great." If we are full of what the world offers, then perhaps a fast might express, or even increase, our soul's appetite for God.

Between the dangers of self-denial and self-indulgence is this path of pleasant pain called fasting. It is the path John Piper invites you to travel in this book. For when God is the supreme hunger of your heart, He will be supreme in everything. And when you are most satisfied in Him, He will be most glorified in you.

Long Story Short by Marty Machowski

Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God by Marty Machowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Fabulous!

I love this family devotional book that can easily be made to work for a wide range of ages. The first reason being that it ties the Old Testament to the gospel! Too many family/kid devotionals just give stories rather then truly help kids connect with the Word of God. In this book, which gives you five, ten-minute devotions per week, there is at least one day when your reading a New Testament passage that connects to the Old Testament story line of the week.

The next reason I like this family devotional is that it's easy. And very simple, too. There are some suggest object lessons, but they are simple and certainly not mandatory for the kids to get the week's lesson. If you don't do it everything will still make sense.

And the third reason I like this book is because it's comprehensive. It incorporates reading Scripture, discussion and interaction, and prayer all together in an easy to follow format that really only takes ten minutes - if that.

In the words of Emily: "This book is fun!" And our family loves it!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Christian parents know the importance of passing the gospel story on to their children, yet we live in a busy world filled with distractions. Schedules collide, there is homework and yard work and dishes and laundry, the car's oil should be changed, there are phone calls to make and before you know it, everyone is getting to bed late again.

The Bible can seem like a long story for an active family to read, but when you break it down into short sections, as Marty Machowski does, family devotions are easy to do. Long Story Short will help busy parents share with their children how every story in the Old Testament points forward to God's story of salvation through Jesus Christ. You won't find a more important focus for a family devotional than a daily highlighting of the gospel of grace. Clever stories and good moral lessons may entertain and even help children, but the gospel will transform children. The gospel is deep enough to keep the oldest and wisest parents learning and growing all their lives, yet simple enough to transform the heart of the first grader who has just begun to read.

Ten minutes a day, five days a week is enough time to pass on the most valuable treasure the world has ever known. Long Story Short is a family devotional program designed to explain God's plan of salvation through the Old Testament and is suitable for children from preschool through high school.

At the Throne of Grace by John MacArthur

At the Throne of Grace: A Book of Prayers by John F. MacArthur Jr.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Maybe it's due to my conservative roots or maybe it's just my personal preferences - I am really not sure - but books full of prayers to pray have always given me an uncomfortable feeling. Like I am plagiarizing on holy ground...or something. However, I highly respect John MacArthur and so when I saw His new release - At the Throne of Grace - I jumped at the opportunity to at least see what it was and maybe just maybe dip my toes into the pool of prayer books.

The first thing that I appreciated about this book was the introduction written by his children who share that they were the ones that begged him to have some of his prayers published into book format. This letter reassured me of MacArthur's humility in this arena and also made me a feel a little more at ease with reading someone else's prayers.

This book is divided into five topical sections with a brief appendix. Each prayer begins with an introductory passage of Scripture written out for you to read before the actual prayer. And I must add here that to my utter surprise I quickly found myself enjoying this book and all these prayers from another person. As I read I began to say the words myself and my heart was drawn into worship of our Almighty God.

So why would I recommend this book? Not because I think you should pray the exact same prayers of others per-say, but because I think as you read John's prayers they help refocus you to worship God more in prayer than just coming with your grocery list of needs for a quick session of begging. You most likely won't read this book in one sitting or straight through, but rather set it on the coffee table and pick it up every now and then and let yourself slip into moments of worship and adoration of the Creator of all.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Bible teacher MacArthur has a passion for honoring God, obeying his Word, and proclaiming Christ as Lord---and he invites you to join him! Bringing together select readings from over 40 years of his ministry, this collection of prayers and Scripture will stir your heart to pursue a deeper, more meaningful communion with God. 208 pages, hardcover from Harvest.

The Next Story by Tim Challies

The Next Story: Life and Faith after the Digital Explosion by Tim Challies
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

So many times I am find myself wondering how I managed without a cell phone...or how I would contact people without Facebook...or how inconvenient it would be without wifi in our home...and sometimes I even wonder how I learned without twitter. And this is exactly what - and so much more! - Tim Cahllies deals with in this book: The Next Story.

I "read" the audio version of this book and because it was not a book that I wanted to read but rather knew I should read. The audio format was best for me and was easy to listen to.

This is a book that will challenge you, make you think, and give you lots to continue to think about. However, while being deep and probing, I still felt that it was easy to understand and digest the message.

Tim is both gifted and knowledgeable as a communicator on the subject of technology and he brings to the table some very thought-provoking ideas and ways of determining the place for technology in the life of a Christian. I appreciate that, in my opinion, he is balanced - not willing to throw out technology but not glossing over it either - and looks at things from a realistic, and most importantly, Biblical view point. Now I don't mean that I agree with everything he said...er' I mean wrote but I definitely walked away understanding technology better and the desire to make it serve me, not I serve it. This book was both personally and "parentally" beneficial.

I would highly recommend anyone - adult or teen - read this book (or listen to it!) as it will help you figure out the place for technology in your life.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Even the least technical among us are being pressed from all sides by advances in digital technology. We rely upon computers, cell phones, and the Internet for communication, commerce, and entertainment. Yet even though we live in this ‘instant message’ culture, many of us feel disconnected, and we question if all this technology is really good for our souls. In a manner that attempts to be accessible, thoughtful, and biblical, I address questions such as:

How has life—and faith—changed now that everyone is available all the time through mobile phones?
How does our constant connection to these digital devices affect our families and our church communities?
What does it mean that almost two billion humans are connected by the Internet … with hundreds of millions more coming online each year?

Providing the reader with a framework they can apply to any technology, I explain how and why our society has become reliant on digital technology, what it means for our lives, and how it impacts the Christian faith.

So it’s a book not just for the young and digital, but for all of us.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary

The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John F. MacArthur Jr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Do you want to update to a new Bible that has study notes and commentary included but don't want to let go of your notes and marks from the years past? An easy solution is to buy a single volume Bible commentary.

Regardless of the Bible you have - unless you have the MacArthur study Bible! - this whole Bible commentary is a valuable addition to your study as you dig into the Word of God. While thick and heavy physically, this book is thorough and easy to use and understand. MacArthur's verse-by-verse approach is very helpful to deeper study of any passage. There are also plenty of sidebars with topical notes and outlines as well as maps and timelines. This is a great resource for any home library and for all ages 10 and up.

John & Betty Stam by Kathleen White

John and Betty Stam by Kathleen White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

While slightly difficult to read - and probably not best for readers under 12 - this book is a short biography of John and Betty Stam. It begins with an introduction to the history of missions in China and ends with the legacy their lives left behind. This book is a brief 128 pages, but filled with their short and impacting testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness in all things.

I was significantly blessed by their continuing trust in God in all things - small and large. Their lives - as short as they were - were such bright lights for Christ and truly brought glory to God both in life and in death.

This book is a great overview of their lives and an encouraging testimony of God's work in the lives of those who have gone on before us. You will be encouraged by their faithfulness and challenged by their dedication.

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Stick with me okay?

I began reading this book about 5 months ago via the audio format from Audible downloaded to my Kindle. I listened to the first chapter and never touched the book again. I had heard rave reviews and chatter from bloggers and non-bloggers both about how this book changed their perspective and what a wonderful author Ann Voskamp is. However, I just could not get into it and the first few pages had me loosing focus and interest. It felt wordy and drawn out and frankly, I just couldn't see the point clearly enough.

However.

Yes, however, I picked it back up because I knew there had to be something good in there that I was missing. After all, not every book has an app to go along with it! So I once again plugged it in and this time confined myself to baking for a whole day while I listened to this book being read by the author.

I am not quite sure why this happens, but at times there is just "a right time" to read a certain book and until that time arrives one just never appreciates such a book. This was finally the "right time" because this time I found myself absorbed into the flowing words and vivid descriptions of ordinary moments in life that - seen through the lens of grace - were extraordinary, life altering moments.

While the book could be so much shorter, and the point a lot more clearer at the outset, it would be too easily read and forgotten - leaving no lasting impact and thoughts to ponder. It was a challenge to get into at first but quickly became pure enjoyment. The more I read the more I was encouraged, challenged, convicted, delighted, overwhelmed, and in awe. Ann Voskamp paints a beautiful picture of what it is like to live in every moment - what we deem good and bad - with a heart that seeks God's gifts to us. She strips us of our idea of "good gifts" and invites us and walks with us on a journey to see every moment as a gift from God.

I feel like no words I possibly write could do justice to describing this book. At first if felt like a hard read, but now I stand at the back cover realizing it was hard because sometimes life is hard and yet there is a deep beauty that comes from hard things.

One Thousand Gifts is a perfect read for anyone no matter what your stage or phase of life is. We all need to be dared to live life more fully right where we are.

Intimate Issues by Lorraine Pintus and Linda Dillow

Intimate Issues: Twenty-One Questions Christian Women Ask About Sex by Linda Dillow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

There are some things that are just plain tricky to talk about. The topic of sex is probably on the top of that list. However, Lorraine and Linda have creatively, sensitively, and beautifully written a book that addresses the issue of sexual intimacy in marriage in a way that is respectful and honest. I appreciate their hard work to compile a comprehensive book about sex that is biblical, appropriate, and God-glorifying.

I believe that this book can and will minister to the heart of any woman no matter what her background and past experiences are as long as she desires to grow in her understanding of God's gift of sex. If you truly long to grow and change, you will enjoy and be encouraged by this study of intimacy. But if you are looking for a way to back-up your personal opinions you will find yourself chafing against the content of this book.

The authors start off by building a foundational understanding of what sex is and what God thinks about it as found in Scripture. From there the book moves through three phases - general understanding and core beliefs, dealing with personal issues and problems, and finally practical application and help for growing more Christ-like in your marriage. They deal with heavy topics such as pornography and the affect of abortion, to recapturing passion, and what's not okay in the marriage bed. Their sensitive and friend-to-friend approach will calm you, encourage you, and help you walk away with at least one area to work on your own marriage even if you have read every other marriage/sex book out there.

Intimate Issues includes a 12 week Bible study that can be used for personal growth or in a small group setting. I highly recommend this book to any woman who is married or counseling married women. For those who desire to become more like Christ in every area of their life this is a "must read".

* * * * *

You can visit the Intimate Issues website here.

31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae

31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

There are lots of books out there to help those who want a clean house, but I don't know of any others that break it down into such "bit-sized" bits for each day. I really appreciate and respect Sarah Mae's day-by-day approach to getting your home clean all the while keeping Christ at the center.

This book is balanced with helpful how-to hints, Biblical perspective for each day, and the why behind what we do to keeping our home clean. 31 Days to Clean isn't about making you fit into the perfect routine, it's about finding the right routine that fits your home, enables you to bless others, and most importantly - glorify God.

I really enjoyed this book and the encouragement it has to offer no matter what the state of your home. Anyone can read this book and find practical and useable ideas as well as spiritual truth to change your thinking concerning your home. For those who want to get your house in order, it is a great friend to walk you daily through the process. And for those who have already well established routines and order this is a great look into tweaking what you do and evaluating your heart motive in keeping a clean home.

And last, but far from least...did I mention how wonderfully short and sweet it is?! It only takes a moment to read the daily chapter and walk away invigorated with new perspective!

Blogger Behave by Laura Booz

Blogger Behave: Make your blog benefit your life, so you can love both! by Laura Booz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This is a short and sweet book that will breath new life into your blogging!

The subtitle sums up this book well. Blogger Behave is all about making your blog behave and finding balance between your real life and online life. While Laura does talk about our actual online behavior, the focus of the book is more behind the scenes. A very important topic to address these day!

I really liked how Laura didn't waste any time. She jumps right into each subject, presents her thoughts clearly, and moves on. It only took me two hours to read from start to finish.

Blogger Behave is a good mix of blogging philosophy and practical application. It covers vision, expectations, scheduling, benefits, integrity, transparency, and more. Her candor and real life examples are not only fun, but encouraging, and will have you laughing.

Whether you are a new blogger, and old blogger, or a pro blogger, I believe you will find inspiration in this book. I walked away with a fresh perspective and simplified goals for my blog. Rather then feeling duty, this book helped me come back to the delight of blogging - both for myself, and most importantly, for God.