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.

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.

Real {Fast} Food by Trina Holden GIVEAWAY!

Real {Fast} Food is a how-to book, inspirational read, and cookbook all rolled up into 58 pages.  I was able to read it in about 2 hours, so it’s a quick read as well.  It is a how-to book because Trina walks you through simple and clear steps to making your own food and cooking month by month.  It is inspirational because Trina’s enthusiasm is oozing out of this book and even those of us who feel pretty overwhelmed by the whole subject find ourselves jumping up and down in excitement by the time we turn the last page.  And lastly it’s a cookbook because it is full of wonderful, drool producing recipes!

Real {Fast} Food is an e-book that can be purchased here and makes the overwhelming task of planning meals for a month – and healthy ones, too! – achievable through simple steps.  Actually, Trina makes it so simple that there may be a few places you have questions if you have never read or thought about planning meals ahead for an entire month.  However, Trina is also easily accessible to contact via twitter or facebook or her blog for you to hit up with any questions you might have.

The one thing I really appreciated about this book – besides the whole thing! – is that you can easily customize the basic idea/plan to fit your life right now.  Maybe like me, you are not going to do the whole thing, but this book was still very helpful in making a plan for healthier meals.  Although as Trina reminded me, you can jump in head first, too, and do the whole plan!  Trina  has taken the work out of finding healthy alternatives and put everything right at your fingertips for getting started in the healthy meal planning.  As you get your feet wet she provides you the framework for experimenting on your own and adding in your own healthy recipes.

You can buy this book HERE!

Because I love this book and because Trina is so generous, I get to give a copy of this e-book away here at To Read, Or Not To Read!  So on your mark, get set,…..GO!

Leave a comment and you’ll be entered in the giveaway!  You can also leave a comment over on my Facebook page for an entry and if you share a link to this page through Facebook, twitter, or e-mail, leave a 2nd comment stating that you did and get a 2nd entry to the drawing!

A winner will be drawn on Monday.  Hurry and enter!

And the winner is Jody C!  Congrats!

Made To Crave by Lysa TerKeurst

Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire With God, Not Food by Lysa TerKeurst
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Lysa Terkeurst is one of the most enjoyable authors to read and she does not disappoint in Made To Crave. Her way with words makes you feel like you are sitting down for comforting conversation with a dear friend and sister. And not only is this an enjoyable read, but also a challenging one that takes you to the heart of the matter.

Made To Crave is not a "how-to" book on healthy eating, but rather a book about satisfying your cravings the right way - with the only thing that will ever satisfy. Using the Bible as her foundation, and sharing from her personal journey, Lysa shows us how we were made to crave.

I enjoyed the overall style and content of this book, DVD, and participants guide. It easy to read and understand and digs deeper into the "why" of eating healthy. While at times the whole program used together seemed a bit simplistic or redundant, it didn't make it less enjoyable or take away from what I did learn.

While I highly appreciated the message and truth in this book, I would also highly recommend the book Because He Loves Me to read in conjunction with Made To Crave.

One thing to keep in mind about the DVD curriculum and participants guide is that it is a lot of material to go through. While this is really a good feature, I would highly recommend this be used in small groups rather than in larger groups (Sunday Schools) for better interaction and less confusion. And due to the amount of material, accountability is important and small groups are better to cultivate that interaction.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Just because a woman finally fits into her skinny jeans doesn't mean she's won her battle with food. Too often, women overlook the spiritual component to their physical struggle with healthy eating. Made to Crave taps into the desires God gave you to consume food without letting food consume you!

Made to Crave is the missing link between a woman's desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. The reality is we were made to crave. Craving isn't a bad thing. But we must realize God created us to crave more of him. Many of us have misplaced that craving by overindulging in physical pleasures instead of lasting spiritual satisfaction. If you are struggling with unhealthy eating habits, you can break the "I'll start again Monday" cycle, and start feeling good about yourself today. Learn to stop beating yourself up over the numbers on the scale. Discover that your weight loss struggle isn't a curse but rather a blessing in the making, and replace justifications that lead to diet failure with empowering go-to scripts that lead to victory. You can reach your healthy weight goal - and grow closer to God in the process. This is not a how-to book. This is not the latest and greatest dieting plan. This book is the necessary companion for you to use alongside whatever healthy lifestyle plan you choose. This is a book and Bible study to help you find the "want to" in making healthy lifestyle choices. 224 pages. Companion Bible study DVD set also available. http://madetocrave.org/purchase-resource...

DVD OVERVIEW:

If you want to maximize your experience and bring these teachings to life in a way you’ll never forget, you’ll want to order the full set of resources. Adding the DVD teaching series and the workbook will motivate you to get healthy without feeling deprived, lose the weight in a permanent way, and find the peace your body, mind and soul desires. This DVD study can be done in a group or by yourself.

The Bundle is only available through Proverbs 31 Ministries, so click here to order! http://madetocrave.org/purchase-resource...

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This book, DVD, and participants guide was courtesy of Litfuse Group but the opinion expressed is my own.

The Reluctant Entertainer by Sandy Coughlin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Are you afraid or intimidated by the thought of entertaining? Or are you one who relishes in inviting people over for a casual dinner or party?

No matter who you are, what your style is, whether you are organized or not-so-organized, have children or not, this book is for YOU! It truly is as the subtitle says, every woman's guide to simple and gracious hospitality.

I love hospitality and have read a number of books on the subject and will still say that this one if one of my favorites. It is fun to look at - full of colorful photos - and a sweet mix of encouragement and practical help. The ideas Sandy shares will help you get started and keep you wanting to think of new ways to entertain. Over all this book is easy-to-read, enjoyable to browse, and a delight to any person who desires to entertain. And you don't want to miss these yummy - oh so wonderful looking - recipes! If for nothing else...buy the book for the recipes!

Enjoy the read!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Faced with feelings of inadequacy or unrealistic expectations, most women never experience the joy of inviting others into their homes. But no more. Speaking candidly about her entertaining highs and lows, popular blogger and author Sandy Coughlin offers apprehensive hostesses genuine encouragement and practical tips for simple yet savvy entertaining.

Hospitality is not about perfection or complicated, expensive meals. It's about connecting deeply with others--all you need is an open door and an open heart.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishers but the opinions expressed are my own.

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This book gets awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best Badge! - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

Let’s Do Lunch by Roger Troy Wilson {GIVEAWAY!}

Let's Do Lunch: Eating all the Calories and Carbs you want to lose weight! by Roger Troy Wilson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Let's Do Lunch is a new approach to loosing weight. It gives hope to those who have tried everything and feel hopeless.

I enjoyed the book, was quite intrigued by it, and picked up some good tips from this book, but ultimately I must say I didn't walk away impressed. Quite honestly the flow of the book is a little rough and so much of it sounds too good to be true. However, in all fairness, there are a number of testimonials included and I do believe it works, but rather that it's not the miracle for everyone that it appears to be by reading the jacket.

I would recommend this book to those who are really wanting to understand all the weight loss options available or for those who simply have tried everything else.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Roger Troy Wilson weighed 425 pounds and had a 5-foot waist. He had given up on losing weight and prayed that he would die and go to Heaven.

After fifteen years of experimenting with different foods and eating patterns, he discovered how to actually have fun losing weight easily---almost the complete opposite of most diets. He lost 230 pounds and 24 inches from his waist.

Today Wilson has maintained his weight loss for years. “You do not need to exercise or count carbs. You can do it without portioning and shakes and chemicals,” says Wilson. In Let's Do Lunch, he reveals:

* the dumbest thing we all do that keeps us from losing weight
* which “non-fattening” foods are actually fattening
* special ways to eliminate cravings
* where to go and what to get when you want to eat something quick

Once you’ve read Let’s Do Lunch, you’ll never think of eating any other way.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson but all opinion expressed is my own.

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GIVEAWAY!

If you would like to win a free copy of this book all you have to do is leave a comment!  For my giveaway rules click here.  A winner will be drawn randomly on Saturday, October 2nd.

The Everything Healthy Meals In Minutes Cookbook by Patricia Butkus

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This Everything guide to healthy eating is very simple and easy to use. It has great plans, lots of recipe, nutrition information, and so much more. The only thing I didn't care for was that it seemed to call for so many ingredients that I just didn't have on hand on a regular basis. If you are cooking for 1 or 2 this meal plan and recipe book would be a good match and a great place to start on the path of healthier eating.

Delicious! by Helen Cooper

Delicious! by Helen Cooper

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This is a fun and adorable story about a squirrel, a duck, and a cat who eat pumpkin soup every day for lunch. When they run out of pumpkins they try some other soups. Delicious is a unique book due to the fact that while it's telling the main story there is another story going on in the sidebars. This is a charming book that both child and parent will enjoy and it includes the soup recipe to make it an interactive read as well.

The Daniel Fast by Susan Gregory

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Daniel Fast is based on the scripture found in Daniel 1 and 10 in the Bible. This fast is a partial fast where you drink only water and eat only food that comes from seeds.

Susan Gregory has written a practical guide that will help and support you through your Daniel Fast. She also gives great advice on how to enhance the fast to get the most benefits from the experience both physically and spiritually. This book is full of the nutritional and menu tools you will need, including recipes.

I appreciated Susan's urging to listen to the Holy Spirit's prompting on your fast. While it is of great importance to consider all medical conditions, I think that too many times we let them be our excuse for not listening to the Holy Spirit. I was also impressed with the immense information and application that Susan offers in this valuable resource. So much of what she presents are things I have wondered about, but never found a comprehensive guide such as this. The balance of dealing with the physical aspects and the spiritual aspects are as close to perfect as I think a person may find in a book.

The Daniel Fast should be on the bookshelf of all who want to fast, and all of us should try the discipline of fasting.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishing.

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You can browse more Christian Living Reviews here, too!

Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett

Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jan Brett does not disappoint. This is a charming little story with illustrations that will real you into the story and having you pouring over this book.

The Gingerbread Baby wants some friends and starts his search in the bakery. Despite his cute sing-song rhyme no one can be his friend. But when the adventure heightens and he finally gets home he finds something sweet just for him!

This book if finished by an fold out poster of the last seen that is colorful and bright as every other page. And you will enjoy the wonderful gingerbread recipe that unfolds on the sidebars with each turn of the page. If you like gingerbread and lollipops, you will enjoy this book!