This book is an open look at sex from multiple aspects through a Biblical lens. It answers 39 questions that most teens probably wonder about but never have the courage to ask their parents about. Quite honestly, there are parts of this book that I would be hesitant in talking about with my teens!
I really appreciate the Biblical framework of this book and the honest way McDowell approaches each question. I walked away from this book being amazed at the perfect way in which God created us and how blessed and purely delightful sex is when kept in God's context. However, it's also a sobering look at the hardships produces by sex outside of God's plan. The Bare Facts covers purity, STDs, what love really is, premarital sex and it's impact, masturbation, sexual addiction, God's forgiveness, and much more. I would highly recommend all parents to read this book so you are prepared to answer questions. And really, all married adults would benefit from reading this book. While it is written for teens, I highly recommend it being older teens and encouraged each parent to use caution and discernment based on what your teen already knows. And it should go without saying, read it before they read it!
* * * * *
This review copy was provided for review courtesy of Moody Publishers through NetGalley, but the opinion expressed is my own.
I took the opportunity to review this book because it's a topic you don't see much about and as I work with teen girls and women I wanted to be aware of these issues. However, I quickly realized it was so much more than just an informative read. I was both shocked and helped by this book. Shocked because I did not know, nor understand, the depth in which women struggle with sexual addictions. And I was helped because it's more than just information about the issues, it's practical help for overcoming these sins.
This book is not for young readers and due to the testimonies included I stress caution and discernment in reading this book. However, that said, this book will be a huge encouragement and help to those struggling with these particular sins or an aid for those helping others who are struggling. The testimonies show you God's grace and how He can overcome anything. Each section of this book is weighty but digs into the details of how to handle sexual sin and temptation in very practical ways.
I would recommend this book to any woman who is struggling with a sexual sin or knows someone who is, or perhaps doesn't know if she is or not. After reading this book you might just realize that you've been struggling with a sin pattern in your own life. For those who are married I would suggest reading it as a couple so the husband understands the issues as well.
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of Moody Publishers but the opinion expressed is my own.
I requested to review this book because after reading other books by Susie I have come to appreciate and respect her writing. So while I didn't really know what the book was about until I began reading it, I walked away overwhelmed once again by God's amazing love and grace in our lives.
Embracing Your Freedom walks you down a path of getting a better understanding for God's heart for justice and how we can experience His gift of freedom no matter what our circumstances are. I really liked how this book is not just another social justice book - not like that is a bad thing - but it is a book that takes you much deeper than just physical freedom around the world to spiritual freedom in every woman's life - especially the reader. This book will soften your heart toward the plight of many who suffer and encourage you to make the most of the freedom you do have. It goes beyond motivating you to challenging you personally. When a book can take a big picture and connect it to your small part of that picture it means the author has done his/her job. In this case, Susie had done a phenomenal job of writing this book!
BOOK OVERVIEW:
While our culture places great emphasis on comfort, security, control, and success, there are deeper rewards for those who take hold of God's promises and who thus reach out in the Name of Christ. Adventure, faith, miracles, and a deep knowledge of Jesus Christ: this is what Susie calls her readers to realize.
Author/speaker Susie Larson makes her message accessible and doable. Her stories, scriptural devotionals, and study questions set the stage for a first-hand experience of God's heart for personal freedom, for the plight of the suffering, and for a conviction to get involved with His work among those in need. While the book's primary focus is on the reader's journey into freedom, it clearly conveys our shared responsibility to "seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, [and] plead for the widow" (Isaiah 1:17, NRSV). This is God's expectation for those who truly know Him.
Each chapter includes devotional insights, justice quotes, anecdotes, prayer guidance, and study/reflective questions. Here is a link to another review of this book.
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of Moody Publishers but the opinion expressed is my own and was in no way compensated or affected by the publisher.
Are you a woman? Young? Old? Single? Married? Widowed? Mother? No kids?
Whatever your phase or stage of life is as a woman this book was written for you. It addresses the topic of Biblical womanhood from a variety of stages in life and is applicable no matter what phase you are going through.
Dr. Karia Bunting talks open and honest about what it means to be a woman and through out this book you will feel like you're having a good ole' conversation with a long time friend. Her style of writing is unique, and while at times it feels a little "flighty", she is truly inspirational and encouraging.
I enjoyed her sense of humor and her continual focus on the importance of what God says in His Word - the Bible. While she doesn't always take a strong stand on every last point, and at times says somethings I don't totally agree with, I still recommend this book and her Bible-based teaching. I think it's important to read this book keeping in mind that each chapter seems to stand alone. While they all are connected to the theme of being the delight of our Heavenly Father as His daughters, they are still each different. In my opinion this book is best read when you read each chapter like a mini book rather than sitting down to read the entire book. (If you even had time to read it in one sitting!)
I hope you read this book and be encouraged to embrace your design as woman!
BOOK OVERVIEW:
In Daddy's Delight, Karia Bunting reminds women that they are God's workmanship, His masterpiece, His "poema". That God has intricately woven together every fiber of their being and created each one special and unique. That God, having completed His work of art, gave her to mankind as a gift.
Evident in this great care God took in fashioning woman is the importance and value of each one. So why do so many women struggle with God's design, wishing they could change just this or that one thing about themselves?
Bunting challenges each reader to accept and embrace the fact that, in whatever season of life, she is God's masterpiece-not her own work of art. When God sees her, He sees His beautiful creation. A creation that yes, has some wrinkles needing to be smoothed out and yet, is one in whom is His delight to love to perfection.
* * * * * Thanks to Moody Publishers for the review copy and giveaway books. The opinion expressed is my own.
* * * * *
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
I have 5 copies to giveaway to 5 blessed ladies!
All you have to do to win is post the link to this post on your Facebook page, tweet the link, or blog about it on your own blog. Then come back and tell me how you linked to me in a comment. You may comment anonymously, but please leave an e-mail for me to contact if you win.
5 (FIVE!) winners will be randomly drawn on Friday evening – January 7th.
To post the link just click on the title of the review at the top of this page, wait for it to load the new URL in your address bar on your browser window, select it with your mouse, and copy it. Then go to FB, twitter, or your blog, paste it, post it, and share it!
I didn't even have to finish the first chapter of this book to know that it was a good book.
Really good.
Like the overview below says, there are many books available for those who have crumbling marriages, yet few for those who are committed to sticking it out no matter what. Susie Larson comes along the woman who is lonely, frustrated, angry, bitter, hurting, or fearful and wraps her arms around her while sharing where, how, and why the Bible has answers.
While I have had and do have a great marriage to my husband, Justin, there still have been moments when I have felt slightly alone. This books is encouraging for any woman no matter the degree, length, or circumstances surrounding her feelings of being along in her marriage. Every marriage will go through seasons of this and Susie has written this book to be there for you in those times.
She deals with the real emotions you feel - anger, self-pity, fear, and worry. And she also shows us how God can use our disappointments, loneliness, and more to help us grow in our walk with Him.
This book is easy-to-read and has such a comforting feel and flair to it. Each chapter is ended by practical application for the hard situation you may find yourself in as well as a little homework to get you into God's Word concerning your problem. And don't let that scare you from reading it!
Maybe you are just so busy you feel like you and your husband are sort of just drifting along and that causes you to be lonely in your marriage. Or maybe you are at complete odds and feel all alone in a marriage made for two. Whatever your situation and circumstances...please, please, please go buy this book and read it. If you can relate to the title of this book in the tiniest way...it's meant for you.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Books abound for those whose marriages are crumbling or have ended. But what about those marriages committed “’til death do us part” and yet are going through a period of time when one spouse is carrying the burden? What happens to a woman when marriage gets heavy and she gets weary? Often, when a woman ends up carrying the weight of the marriage (due to her husband’s health, choices, workload, etc.), her tendency is to “get out or check out.”
She may consider her husband’s distraction an opportunity to do her own thing. But is there a better way to walk through this season? Even thrive? Susie Larson stands in as an encouraging friend, walking with you, helping you to discern how anxiety and anger will slow you down; and how loneliness and disappointment can actually refine and bless you. You will be challenged and inspired as you wrap your arms around this time and remember that God has His arms around you.
* * * * *
* * * * * This book was provided for review courtesy Moody Publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. You can purchase this book here.
Are you struggling to understand the mind of someone dealing with anorexia? Maybe it's your friend or possibly a family member.
Or maybe it's your own mind and body that has become a battleground for this possibly fatal war.
Whatever your reason for wanting to read Hollow, you will be captured by this poignant testimony and ongoing journey of Jena Morrow.
I appreciated the vulnerability and raw honesty with which Jena shares. The story she unfolds in this book helped me for the first time to gain even a fraction of understanding of why someone can and does turn to the eating disorder of anorexia. Jena does not try to make it appealing or glossy, but rather tells it as it was - to the best of her memory and ability. If you don't understand anorexia you will finish this book with a better grasp of what goes on in one's mind to lead them into such depths. Or if you know the struggle from first-hand experience, I think you will be encouraged by the life of someone who rose from the depths back to living a functioning life battling the ongoing temptations.
While this is a book that would not have grabbed me from the bookstore shelf to read - a classic case of don't judge a book by it's cover - I am thankful for reading this unpolished tale as Jena calls it. Even though I have not struggled with anorexia I walked away understanding how my mind believes other lies about my body and how Christ - and Christ alone - can set me free of those.
I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to understand anorexia better or needing the encouragement of someone else who has fought this battle.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Twenty nine years, 7 months, 14 days and the battle still rages…
Jena Morrow has an eating disorder. It can kill her. Jena Morrow has a Savior. He came to give her abundant life.
This is not a polished tale of victory but an honest, true story of fragility. Hollow recounts Jena’s daily struggle with anorexia and the God who is able and willing to reach down into the dirt. A central theme of Hollow is the surrender of control to Jesus Christ. His Word is interwoven throughout the story as rebuttals to the lies that besiege those engaged in any addiction.
In addition to her point of view, Jena includes those of her friends, family, and former therapists providing an undercurrent of hope.
Written in an easy conversational voice, Hollow will resonate with those in the midst of a struggle and those who stand beside them.
Jackie Johnson gets right to the heart of the matter with this in-depth, yet incredibly simple and practical book on dealing with the emotions of a break-up from a woman's perspective. When Love Ends walks readers through four stages of handling a break-up and recovering from the loss of this close relationship. As Jackie takes you through Twilight, Night, Dawn, and Day you will come to a better understanding of how you can heal from the hurt and grow closer to God through the entire situation.
While the main focus of this book is on break-ups between a dating couple and is geared toward the single woman, I think any woman can read this book and benefit from the biblical truth of how to deal with difficult relationships. My personal favorite was chapter 6 on the topic of forgiveness and I appreciated Jackie's gentle and loving approach in this chapter and through out the entire book.
Each chapter of this book is helpful, insightful, truthful, encouraging and full of God's Word. Jackie's mix of personal stories, sharing of Scripture, and practical application along with thought-provoking questions make this a great book that you will read and refer to again and again.
I highly recommend this book to any single woman college-age and older as well as any woman looking for a good book addressing tough aspects of relationships. When Love Ends will help you heal from past break-ups or prepare you for when they do happen.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Losing a hope-filled dating relationship is a stressful and painful event. And when it seems to occur again, again, and again, is ice cream the only refuge for a Christian single?
As one who has walked this road before, author Jackie M. Johnson says an emphatic "no!"
While most books for singles tell readers how to get the next guy, When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton is Empty encourages a healthy healing process. Practical and biblically based, each chapter guides the reader through a metaphorical day of restoration. Twilight recognizes and deals with endings, night validates and grieves the loss, dawn awakens hope, and day is the new beginning based on the solid assurance of Christ. When Love Ends will help heal your heart -- and help change your life.
Chapters conclude with discussions questions for individual or group study, helpful Bible verses, and a prayer.
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of Moody Publishers, but the opinions expressed in this review are my won.
Mothers come in different sizes, shapes, and styles, but they all share the same feeling over and over again - weariness. In the midst of answering questions, cleaning up messes, running errands, we Moms tend to loose our perspective in the one load of laundry that never seems to get folded! Jill Savage writes this book to guide us like a close girlfriend in refocusing our eyes on Jesus Christ.
Real Moms...Real Jesus takes 13 perspectives we Moms cling to and shows us 13 new perspectives that Jesus models for us. Through personal examples, Scripture passages, and a heart that seeks God, Jill gives us a real and refreshing handbook for Moms at any stage of the journey.
I enjoyed each "perspective" story and it's companion chapter showing us the real Jesus and the hope He gives for being faithful to our call of motherhood. It's an easy-to-read book that hits home quickly and encourages deeply. In the back of the book are some great discussion questions and helpful small-group study guides that make this book a perfect match for a small study group of Moms.
If you are in the trenches of motherhood, or know someone in them, this is a wonderful gift of encouragement for her.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
What does Jesus know about the peanut-butter-and-jelly life of a mom? Plenty! Jill Savage, founder and director of Hearts at Home, introduces the real Jesus to real moms. In chapters that examine key behaviors and decisions Jesus made during His life on earth, Jill brings those lessons right down to the laundry-filled, sticky-fingered days every mother knows. Between the chapters are interactive vignettes that provide brief, refreshing glimpses into real, messy, busy lives. Jill continually reminds the reader that Jesus is not an unattainable deity, but a Friend who understands.
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of Moody Publishers.
* * * * *
This book gets awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!
* * * * *
For some fun motherhood stories told by Jill, watch the video clip below…
Radical Womanhood could radically change your thinking on what it means to be a woman!
Carolyn McCulley has written an eloquent and comprehensive, yet straight-forward and simply-stated book on how the feminist movement has altered womanhood and the role that women have in our culture today. This book is both informative as well as challenging. I greatly enjoyed how Carolyn would share the background of the feminist movement and how it has impacted a specific aspect of womanhood before addressing the Biblical side of that issue. This book is not another "Bible thumping message", but rather a probing look into how the feminist movement disconnected from the radical design of God for women.
Carolyn's approach is gentle, knowledgeable, sensitive, respectful, and simple. I appreciated that she is not another "old woman" passing on tradition, but rather a highly studied student of this topic from both sides of the issue. She does not merely write from a stereotypical conservative view point, but one based solidly on Scripture.
Radical Womanhood is 8 chapters long and addresses a thorough overview of the feminist movement, what our problem really is, what the rolls of both men and woman are, how the movement has impacted life across the spectrum, and much more. This book is incredibly empowering and helps you understand the background to various beliefs about the process and history of feminism. Each chapter is followed by a short personal story of a woman that illustrates the message talked about in the previous pages. They bring a sense of community to this book as you read about the struggles and victories of other woman grappling with the same things you may be wrestling through. You gain an emotional and real-life view of Biblical principles being lived out in the real world.
The were many challenges and encouragements that I walked away with, but one thing that seemed to stand out above all was when Carolyn shared that there is a difference between fighting for woman's rights - restoring their God-given rights - and setting women above both men and God. This is not your "be-a-doormat-and-serve-your-husband-without-question" book, this is a call to be Radical Women!
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Biblical womanhood is not for the weak. In an age that seeks to obliterate God and His authority, modeling biblical womanhood involves spiritual warfare. Radical Womanhood seeks to equip new believers and long-time Christians alike, exposing the anti-God agenda of the three waves of feminism to date and presenting the pro-woman truth of the Scriptures. Illustrated with numerous personal testimonies, this book will dig deep into the Word and show how it can be lived out today. The foundation and core message of Radical Womanhood is consistent with the traditional complementarian teaching on biblical womanhood. However, the target audience, tone, and style are radically different. Most books on this subject take a heavily didactic tone that assumes an awareness of Christian lingo and a high degree of spiritual maturity. Radical Womanhood has the narrative approach appreciated by postmodern readers, but still incorporates solid, biblically-based teaching for personal application and growth.
* * * * *
You can view my chapter-by-chapter vlog reviews by clicking on the following links:
This review copy was provided by Moody Publishers. All opinions expressed are that of my own.
* * * * *
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!
I apologize for the bad lighting in this vlog. I was having a very hard time getting the lighting to work out for me today and what I had to say turned out so well (at least I thought so!) that I didn’t want to re-do just because I look a little ghostly! Hope you’ll bear with me for this one and I will try to keep getting my tech skills fine tuned.
* * * * *
Thanks to Moody Publishing for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Welcome to my vlog series as I review the book Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley chapter-by-chapter. Please forgive my crazy hair once again…we’ve been having such warm weather that I have just been clipping it up rather than trying to do anything with it!
Thanks for joining me for chapter 4 of Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley. I hope you will be intrigued so much that you will run right out – or click over – to buy and then read your own copy!
Welcome to my 2nd vlog in a series of vlogs to review – chapter by chapter – the book Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley. You can click here to view the first vlog.
This review copy was provided by Moody Publishing and my opinions of this book were in no way influenced by anyone.
Girls Gone Wise is the captivating comparison of a wise girl who has Christ at the center of her heart versus the wild girl of Proverbs 7. This easy-to-read, yet intensely thought-provoking book will have you mulling over life changing Biblical truth as you hold your life up to the light of Scripture.
Mary Kassian addresses the lives of women in the areas of their heart, boundaries, habits, attitudes, body language, speech, appearance, approach, and more. While this book appears to be for younger women, it is incredibly applicable for a woman of any age - 15 to 115. Each chapter deals with a specific area as listed above and clearly compares the worlds view with the plans that God has for His daughters.
I love how this book brings such deep meaning to a passage and opens it up in a whole new way. I appreciated Mary's direct approach with her writing and her commitment to saying the hard things that I am sure will hit home with every woman who reads this book. This should be the text book for all women on being a godly female in a world where we are constantly bombarded with the lies of the flesh.
This would make a perfect gift for any woman seeking to be a woman who glorifies God, but especially to a young woman just graduating high school as she takes the next step to being on her own.
Direct, fresh, real, and straight-shooting are a few of the words I would use to sum up this excellent resource for pursuing wisdom in a world gone wild.
Today is the last day to enter the drawing for TWO DVD Bible studies by Andy Stanley along with a participants book for each one. Comment on any of the Graduation Gift posts of this week to be entered into the drawing!
One of the best gifts you can give a graduate is an investment into their future. What better way to invest in their future than through giving them a resource that will last them a lifetime?!
The NEW Moody Atlas of the Bible is that resource.
This book is more than just a glorified book of maps found in the back of your Bible, it's full of current, full-color photos of sites and ruins from the Bible times. It also contains written history and explanation of the maps, pictures, and charts shown.
Technically it has 2 chapters, but each of them are broken into short sections on a specific time, event, or place. The Scriptural Index as well as the General Index make it easy to use and a wonderful addition to any Bible study of any depth. This atlas is a colorful guide to understanding the Bible in ways you have not understood it before and will be a book you refer to over and over again.
No matter if your life is hard or easy or somewhere in between right now, this book is for YOU. As the back cover says: "Find Hope. Right Here. Right now."
I picked up this book to read for review knowing that it would be good, but completely unaware of just how good it would be. James unpacks 4 scripture passages and what they each mean to us when we face various trials - big or small. Not only does this book open up new thoughts and understanding on timeless passages, but it also gives practical ways of applying what you are learning and ideas for processing and dealing with the trials you are or will face.
When Life Is Hard is real and despite the hard subject, this book is refreshing, uplifting, and incredibly challenging in an invigorating way. It is deep stuff explained in simple terms. It is biblical truth in a format that is easy to follow and read. You will be encouraged by this book no matter what you reading level or skills are. James MacDonald ministers to you from personal experience and a relationship with Jesus Christ. This messages hits home no matter where home may be. It is a must-read and must-own for any Christian, but especially for anyone in full-time ministry. This book is one of the Best Of The Best!
* * * * *
This book was provided for review courtesy of Moody Publishing. However, the opinions expressed in this review are solely that of the reviewer - Mandy.
* * * * *
Below is a video clip that James mentions in the book. Watch it now and you will laugh hysterically when you read about it in the book. Or bookmark this page and come back and watch it after reading the book.
* * * * *
You can go to www.whenlifeishard.com to access more resources and information about this book. If you want to buy this book you can click on the amazon link below and To Read, Or Not To Read will get a few pennies from your purchase.
.jpg)
The Bare Facts: 39 Answers to Questions Your Parents Hope You Never Ask About Sex by Josh McDowell
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=39cf4033-7670-4851-a2bf-db8581b82c82)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=e493c283-1f74-4540-9a4c-fdf01cd3dcdc)
