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Recommend this book:
Becoming a Woman of Worth
Creating a More Confident You
Kristen Clark
2014 Gold Medal
150 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling
Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite
What we become and how we develop is directly related to our self-confidence. In Becoming a Woman of Worth, Kristen Clark not only illustrates this point, but shows women how to get over the numerous hurdles that often stand in the way of being self-confident and self assured. This book is meant to complement an online program called 21 Day Journey, to help change the patterns of how women view themselves by developing a daily habit of finding their worth through the scriptures. She bases her beginning premise on Psalm 139:17-18 from which she poses a question. How precious are your thoughts about yourself? Kristen then begins a definition of self-esteem and responds to some of the myths about it. She then progresses into some practical ways of building self-esteem. The crowning jewel is the section on making confidence into a spiritual mindset. Using God’s Word as the foundation for each part of her work, Kristen allows Christian women to see that it’s okay, even encouraged by the scriptures to be self-confident and that all of us can find our worth in how God views us and build upon that.
Though I am a man, my experience as a residential treatment counselor for adolescent women drew me to this book. Becoming a Woman of Worth was and is exactly what many of the young ladies that I have worked with needed to have in their hands and in their hearts. Kristen Clark gives true, practical suggestions, many of which we used in our program, but she goes a step further and shows how God blesses rather than frowns upon building our self-worth. The truth of what Kristen has written applies not only to women, but to everyone. Much of what was written about placing the needs of others before our own applied directly to me and I gained a great deal personally from many of her practical suggestions. Honest, practical and inspiring, Becoming a Woman of Worth ought to be in the hands of every young lady you know; their future will be completely altered by it.
What we become and how we develop is directly related to our self-confidence. In Becoming a Woman of Worth, Kristen Clark not only illustrates this point, but shows women how to get over the numerous hurdles that often stand in the way of being self-confident and self assured. This book is meant to complement an online program called 21 Day Journey, to help change the patterns of how women view themselves by developing a daily habit of finding their worth through the scriptures. She bases her beginning premise on Psalm 139:17-18 from which she poses a question. How precious are your thoughts about yourself? Kristen then begins a definition of self-esteem and responds to some of the myths about it. She then progresses into some practical ways of building self-esteem. The crowning jewel is the section on making confidence into a spiritual mindset. Using God’s Word as the foundation for each part of her work, Kristen allows Christian women to see that it’s okay, even encouraged by the scriptures to be self-confident and that all of us can find our worth in how God views us and build upon that.
Though I am a man, my experience as a residential treatment counselor for adolescent women drew me to this book. Becoming a Woman of Worth was and is exactly what many of the young ladies that I have worked with needed to have in their hands and in their hearts. Kristen Clark gives true, practical suggestions, many of which we used in our program, but she goes a step further and shows how God blesses rather than frowns upon building our self-worth. The truth of what Kristen has written applies not only to women, but to everyone. Much of what was written about placing the needs of others before our own applied directly to me and I gained a great deal personally from many of her practical suggestions. Honest, practical and inspiring, Becoming a Woman of Worth ought to be in the hands of every young lady you know; their future will be completely altered by it.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/how-to-get-it-right&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/412yyCu5f7L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="How to Get It Right: Being Single, Married, Divorced and Everything in Between" is one of the best books I have ever read on all the deep questions involved in this topic. It does more than just provide opinions; it gives scripture to look at concerning these various issues. This isn't a fluffy book filled with data; this is instead a hard-hitting...){kind=link}
How to Get it Right
Being Single, Married, Divorced, and Everything In Between
Minister Alexys V. Wolf
2013 Bronze Medal
294 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Biblical Counseling
Reviewed by Darin Godby for Readers' Favorite
"How to Get It Right: Being Single, Married, Divorced and Everything in Between" is one of the best books I have ever read on all the deep questions involved in this topic. It does more than just provide opinions; it gives scripture to look at concerning these various issues. This isn't a fluffy book filled with data; this is instead a hard-hitting, thought-provoking book that gives honest answers and things to consider for your own individual life. The section dealing with covenant is awesome. There is much insight that will bring help and healing to those who have been hurt in previous marriage situations. There is a way to be healthy within a marriage and God must be first and foremost for that to occur. Building the relationship takes more than desire and author Alexys Wolf helps the reader to see just that. She shares personal experiences which help the reader to relate to and come up along beside her in her quest for knowledge and truth.
This is definitely one of the finest books that I have read on this subject and one that I would recommend to others who want to build up their marriage. This would be a great book for a church library. I look forward to additional resources to be printed from this author to draw strength and encouragement. At the end of each chapter is a prayer that is certainly heart-felt and encouraging. You can pray with that and allow God to move within your life. There are scriptural references at the end of the book that provide the reader with additional ways to look up a particular area they may need help in.
"How to Get It Right: Being Single, Married, Divorced and Everything in Between" is one of the best books I have ever read on all the deep questions involved in this topic. It does more than just provide opinions; it gives scripture to look at concerning these various issues. This isn't a fluffy book filled with data; this is instead a hard-hitting, thought-provoking book that gives honest answers and things to consider for your own individual life. The section dealing with covenant is awesome. There is much insight that will bring help and healing to those who have been hurt in previous marriage situations. There is a way to be healthy within a marriage and God must be first and foremost for that to occur. Building the relationship takes more than desire and author Alexys Wolf helps the reader to see just that. She shares personal experiences which help the reader to relate to and come up along beside her in her quest for knowledge and truth.
This is definitely one of the finest books that I have read on this subject and one that I would recommend to others who want to build up their marriage. This would be a great book for a church library. I look forward to additional resources to be printed from this author to draw strength and encouragement. At the end of each chapter is a prayer that is certainly heart-felt and encouraging. You can pray with that and allow God to move within your life. There are scriptural references at the end of the book that provide the reader with additional ways to look up a particular area they may need help in.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/my-prayer-chair&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51yU7HPEyZL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=In her devotional guide, Carla McDougal captures the essence of what it is to be still and wait upon the Lord. Written from the perspective of a busy mother trying to find time with God, "My Prayer Chair" empathizes with every one of us who has felt too busy to spend time with God. Instead of berating us for infidelity or wrong feelings, Carla teac...){kind=link}
My Prayer Chair
A Living, Walking, Breathing Relationship with Jesus
Carla McDougal
2013 Silver Medal
160 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling
Reviewed by Rebecca McLeod for Readers' Favorite
In her devotional guide, Carla McDougal captures the essence of what it is to be still and wait upon the Lord. Written from the perspective of a busy mother trying to find time with God, "My Prayer Chair" empathizes with every one of us who has felt too busy to spend time with God. Instead of berating us for infidelity or wrong feelings, Carla teaches us how to work prayer into our everyday lives, whether it be during chores, driving (no closing your eyes for this one!), or as you are trying to fall asleep. Teaching this habit of prayer and becoming mindful of God’s presence is the goal of "My Prayer Chair", and Carla shows us how far these simple principles have taken her in life. Sharing her own struggles with dyslexia, depression, and family deaths adds a lot of credibility to her argument. I find her sincere and her advice excellent.
I was really impressed with the tenor of this prayer guide. While so many other devotionals lead their readers through a series of hoops, this book encourages the kind of quiet, meditative prayers and conversations with God that change lives. Carla McDougal’s gentle sense of humour provides a pleasant backdrop to the material, which works out just enough for an early morning devotional. The Scriptural references are frequent and full of meaning. Clearly, she has done her homework and knows what she is talking about. I felt encouraged after reading this book to try my own morning conversations with God and not to let the habit of “busyness” overwhelm me.
In her devotional guide, Carla McDougal captures the essence of what it is to be still and wait upon the Lord. Written from the perspective of a busy mother trying to find time with God, "My Prayer Chair" empathizes with every one of us who has felt too busy to spend time with God. Instead of berating us for infidelity or wrong feelings, Carla teaches us how to work prayer into our everyday lives, whether it be during chores, driving (no closing your eyes for this one!), or as you are trying to fall asleep. Teaching this habit of prayer and becoming mindful of God’s presence is the goal of "My Prayer Chair", and Carla shows us how far these simple principles have taken her in life. Sharing her own struggles with dyslexia, depression, and family deaths adds a lot of credibility to her argument. I find her sincere and her advice excellent.
I was really impressed with the tenor of this prayer guide. While so many other devotionals lead their readers through a series of hoops, this book encourages the kind of quiet, meditative prayers and conversations with God that change lives. Carla McDougal’s gentle sense of humour provides a pleasant backdrop to the material, which works out just enough for an early morning devotional. The Scriptural references are frequent and full of meaning. Clearly, she has done her homework and knows what she is talking about. I felt encouraged after reading this book to try my own morning conversations with God and not to let the habit of “busyness” overwhelm me.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/when-a-woman-you-love-was-abused&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/512ZuMtwDAL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=In "When a Woman You Love Was Abused" Dawn Jones has written a thought-provoking and up-front book of what it is like to be an abused child and what emotional problems may be faced by those trying to love the survivors of childhood sexual abuse. There is a clear and concise section related to the various forms of sexual abuse and then the emotional...){kind=link}
When a Woman You Love Was Abused
A Husband's Guide to Helping Her Overcome Childhood Sexual Molestation
Dawn Scott Jones
2013 Gold Medal
208 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling
Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
In "When a Woman You Love Was Abused" Dawn Jones has written a thought-provoking and up-front book of what it is like to be an abused child and what emotional problems may be faced by those trying to love the survivors of childhood sexual abuse. There is a clear and concise section related to the various forms of sexual abuse and then the emotional sequella of abuse is considered. The fact that sexually abused children grow up with a sense of shame and fear is an important factor in why they generally develop distorted self-images that will bring problem after problem in adulthood. One of the important sections in the book is that of trying to understand the importance of bringing abuse into the memory of the survivor so that it can be dealt with openly and in a healing environment. As the author points out, it is only in the telling that the healing can realistically occur.
Ms. Jones uses her own personal abuse story to illustrate the many facets of abuse to the child and to the adult survivor. She vividly describes the cost to an intimate relationship should the abuse story remains hidden. One of the most helpful sections must surely be that of advice to husbands and/or loved ones. The "helpers" also need counsel and guidance as their self-images are bound to be tarnished because of the actions of the abused partner. This is a highly readable book for anyone who has survived and it is equally insightful for those choosing to help.
In "When a Woman You Love Was Abused" Dawn Jones has written a thought-provoking and up-front book of what it is like to be an abused child and what emotional problems may be faced by those trying to love the survivors of childhood sexual abuse. There is a clear and concise section related to the various forms of sexual abuse and then the emotional sequella of abuse is considered. The fact that sexually abused children grow up with a sense of shame and fear is an important factor in why they generally develop distorted self-images that will bring problem after problem in adulthood. One of the important sections in the book is that of trying to understand the importance of bringing abuse into the memory of the survivor so that it can be dealt with openly and in a healing environment. As the author points out, it is only in the telling that the healing can realistically occur.
Ms. Jones uses her own personal abuse story to illustrate the many facets of abuse to the child and to the adult survivor. She vividly describes the cost to an intimate relationship should the abuse story remains hidden. One of the most helpful sections must surely be that of advice to husbands and/or loved ones. The "helpers" also need counsel and guidance as their self-images are bound to be tarnished because of the actions of the abused partner. This is a highly readable book for anyone who has survived and it is equally insightful for those choosing to help.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-masters-voice&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41kgYKQ7RCL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Ira Milligan who has served God since 1962 writes "The Master's Voice: A Practical Guide to Personal Ministry" for the deeply devoted Christian who is ready to minister to others. He admonishes the reader to only do "what God specifically moves you to do" (page 25) and advises that a prophet does have the gift of prophecy but does much more than th...){kind=link}
The Master's Voice
Ira Milligan
2013 Honorable Mention
172 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite
Ira Milligan who has served God since 1962 writes "The Master's Voice: A Practical Guide to Personal Ministry" for the deeply devoted Christian who is ready to minister to others. He admonishes the reader to only do "what God specifically moves you to do" (page 25) and advises that a prophet does have the gift of prophecy but does much more than that. Author Milligan offers sensible counselling throughout this book such as using common sense and privacy when speaking the word of God to someone. That there are false prophets out in the world is something that the author understands all too well. He counsels the reader to be beware of covetousness, of using God's gifts for personal gain, of witchcraft which would manipulate and control someone's life, and of hypocrisy which pretends that the information imparted is from God when it is definitely not. Author Milligan strongly urges the reader to judge a prophecy's authenticity and to fully cooperate and participate if a prophecy is from God. On page 108, Author Milligan stresses that "Without faith and full cooperation from those who receive them, many prophecies will not come to pass even if they are issued straight from the throne of God."
"The Master's Voice" offers many, many suggestions for the devoted reader who is ready to serve God as a prophet. The author writes well and seriously and cites numerous Biblical stories as evidence for what he writes. He also advises on page 60 about how to go about beginning life as a prophet: "When properly supervised by mature leaders, small groups provide a safe haven for many people to learn how to minister in spiritual gifts and then grow in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ." "The Master's Voice" is a great book for the serious Christian believer.
Ira Milligan who has served God since 1962 writes "The Master's Voice: A Practical Guide to Personal Ministry" for the deeply devoted Christian who is ready to minister to others. He admonishes the reader to only do "what God specifically moves you to do" (page 25) and advises that a prophet does have the gift of prophecy but does much more than that. Author Milligan offers sensible counselling throughout this book such as using common sense and privacy when speaking the word of God to someone. That there are false prophets out in the world is something that the author understands all too well. He counsels the reader to be beware of covetousness, of using God's gifts for personal gain, of witchcraft which would manipulate and control someone's life, and of hypocrisy which pretends that the information imparted is from God when it is definitely not. Author Milligan strongly urges the reader to judge a prophecy's authenticity and to fully cooperate and participate if a prophecy is from God. On page 108, Author Milligan stresses that "Without faith and full cooperation from those who receive them, many prophecies will not come to pass even if they are issued straight from the throne of God."
"The Master's Voice" offers many, many suggestions for the devoted reader who is ready to serve God as a prophet. The author writes well and seriously and cites numerous Biblical stories as evidence for what he writes. He also advises on page 60 about how to go about beginning life as a prophet: "When properly supervised by mature leaders, small groups provide a safe haven for many people to learn how to minister in spiritual gifts and then grow in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ." "The Master's Voice" is a great book for the serious Christian believer.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/anger-management&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kg-5yEIIL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Anger Management" is Mark Hour's personal account of his struggle to deal with past hurts and manage his own anger. It has come out as a book to help and encourage others to manage their anger in healthy ways to avoid the consequences that Mark faced. However, this book is based upon the Bible and the Lord's way of dealing with anger. The book imp...){kind=link}
Anger Management
The Lord's Way
Mark Hour
2012 Bronze Medal
196 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Biblical Counseling
Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite
"Anger Management" is Mark Hour's personal account of his struggle to deal with past hurts and manage his own anger. It has come out as a book to help and encourage others to manage their anger in healthy ways to avoid the consequences that Mark faced. However, this book is based upon the Bible and the Lord's way of dealing with anger. The book implies that it is impossible to be successful and have healthy lives and relationships without His help. This book is split into well-defined sections and contains Mark's personal experiences, things that he has learned from professionals working with him and Biblical verses and passages. Each chapter begins with questions for the reader to think about and reflect upon in their own lives.
This book is a quick read; however, I would encourage the reader not to rush through it as there is a lot to think about and reflect upon in each one's personal life while reading this. Each of us are molded by our own personal experiences and interactions, whether they are negative or positive. Mark shares through his own experiences that the past must be dealt with in order to have a healthy life and relationships. I admire the author for opening up and sharing his own experiences and struggles in order to help others. The personal feel throughout this book makes it one that people will want to read and they will be led to seek help and make changes in their own lives.
"Anger Management" is Mark Hour's personal account of his struggle to deal with past hurts and manage his own anger. It has come out as a book to help and encourage others to manage their anger in healthy ways to avoid the consequences that Mark faced. However, this book is based upon the Bible and the Lord's way of dealing with anger. The book implies that it is impossible to be successful and have healthy lives and relationships without His help. This book is split into well-defined sections and contains Mark's personal experiences, things that he has learned from professionals working with him and Biblical verses and passages. Each chapter begins with questions for the reader to think about and reflect upon in their own lives.
This book is a quick read; however, I would encourage the reader not to rush through it as there is a lot to think about and reflect upon in each one's personal life while reading this. Each of us are molded by our own personal experiences and interactions, whether they are negative or positive. Mark shares through his own experiences that the past must be dealt with in order to have a healthy life and relationships. I admire the author for opening up and sharing his own experiences and struggles in order to help others. The personal feel throughout this book makes it one that people will want to read and they will be led to seek help and make changes in their own lives.
Recommend this book:
NEW DIGS... Abandoning the Bog of Bitterness
One Survivor's Surprising Guide to Reclaiming a Merciful Heart
Pamella Ann Miller
2012 Silver Medal
52 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Biblical Counseling
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
While scripture tells us to forgive and forget, it isn’t easy. There are some hurts that just aren’t that easy to get over. Unfortunately, when we hang on to them, we only hurt ourselves. Anger can take over our lives preventing us from finding the true joy of each day. Anger can affect our health, our work, our sleep, our relationships, and our attitudes.
Romans reminds us to love our enemies. It is easy to love those who love us but a lot harder to love our enemies. It does not say forgive those who ask forgiveness. It does say if our enemies are hungry we should feed them. This is a totally different concept than most of us live. It is only through God that we can forgive. To forgive doesn’t necessarily mean to pretend something never happened. It means to deal with it. The victim and the offender may never have a relationship again. Forgiveness should mean moving closer to God and allowing Him to meet the needs of both parties.
NEW DIGS...Abandoning The Bog of Bitterness by Pamella Ann Miller is a workbook to help readers deal with bitterness. There are 6 phases discussed in this book. Miller has humorously and creatively named these phases: Swamp City, Hiatus Township, Uncertainty Village, Prideful Palisades, Cape Horizon, and Renewal Island. One of my favorite things in this book is the author’s interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer. NEW DIGS is written in a simple, easy-to-understand, and interesting manner. The book’s cover is creatively done and tempts the reader to pick it up and delve inside. This book could be used as a small group study or an individual study.
While scripture tells us to forgive and forget, it isn’t easy. There are some hurts that just aren’t that easy to get over. Unfortunately, when we hang on to them, we only hurt ourselves. Anger can take over our lives preventing us from finding the true joy of each day. Anger can affect our health, our work, our sleep, our relationships, and our attitudes.
Romans reminds us to love our enemies. It is easy to love those who love us but a lot harder to love our enemies. It does not say forgive those who ask forgiveness. It does say if our enemies are hungry we should feed them. This is a totally different concept than most of us live. It is only through God that we can forgive. To forgive doesn’t necessarily mean to pretend something never happened. It means to deal with it. The victim and the offender may never have a relationship again. Forgiveness should mean moving closer to God and allowing Him to meet the needs of both parties.
NEW DIGS...Abandoning The Bog of Bitterness by Pamella Ann Miller is a workbook to help readers deal with bitterness. There are 6 phases discussed in this book. Miller has humorously and creatively named these phases: Swamp City, Hiatus Township, Uncertainty Village, Prideful Palisades, Cape Horizon, and Renewal Island. One of my favorite things in this book is the author’s interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer. NEW DIGS is written in a simple, easy-to-understand, and interesting manner. The book’s cover is creatively done and tempts the reader to pick it up and delve inside. This book could be used as a small group study or an individual study.
Recommend this book:
How could my husband be GAY?
Ondrea Davis and J'son Lee
2011 Gold Medal
272 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Like most females, Ondrea L. Davis had carefully planned her wedding. Her family did not approve of her choice for a husband, but once they realized she was determined to marry Marceous King, they supported her decision. A wedding is usually considered the bride's special day, all eyes focus on the bride and the groom lovingly focuses all of his attention on her. However, Marceous King was not the typical groom; he craved attention and was determined all eyes would be fixed on him. This was just the first hint of future problems for the Kings. Marceous had deeper problems; he had never let go of his mother's apron strings and he was secretly gay. Ondrea was patient with her husband. She tried to adapt to his constant visits with his momma, but even the most patient person can only take so much.
Ondrea L. Davis courageously shares her story with readers in hopes of preventing other women from facing what she faced. Marceous King was an abusive husband. There are many forms of abuse; Marceous preferred mental and verbal abuse. Many times there was no food in the house to feed the children. He purposely gave his son formula instead of breast milk, resulting in his vomiting. The couple tried counseling, but there are some things counseling cannot fix. No human, whether male or female, should ever have to face abuse at the hands of another. Ondrea faced more than her share. She believed in the sanctity of marriage and tried to hold her marriage together.
As I read Ondre's descriptions eye I could see Beulah Mae in her Cleopatra outfit and bulging tummy, and Marceous with the top hat and cane. I wanted to shout, "Run! Don't marry him!" I believe Ondrea was more than fair in her description of her marriage and her husband. She goes into great detail describing their honeymoon, home and childbirth. J'son M. Lee is the co-author of this book. They both deserve great credit for their writing skills. The story is told through Ondrea''s point of view, and the style is conversational. I felt as though I were sitting across the table from Ondrea as she poured out her heart. There were a few very minor grammatical errors, but they did not detract from the essence of the story. This is a story that had to be told.
Like most females, Ondrea L. Davis had carefully planned her wedding. Her family did not approve of her choice for a husband, but once they realized she was determined to marry Marceous King, they supported her decision. A wedding is usually considered the bride's special day, all eyes focus on the bride and the groom lovingly focuses all of his attention on her. However, Marceous King was not the typical groom; he craved attention and was determined all eyes would be fixed on him. This was just the first hint of future problems for the Kings. Marceous had deeper problems; he had never let go of his mother's apron strings and he was secretly gay. Ondrea was patient with her husband. She tried to adapt to his constant visits with his momma, but even the most patient person can only take so much.
Ondrea L. Davis courageously shares her story with readers in hopes of preventing other women from facing what she faced. Marceous King was an abusive husband. There are many forms of abuse; Marceous preferred mental and verbal abuse. Many times there was no food in the house to feed the children. He purposely gave his son formula instead of breast milk, resulting in his vomiting. The couple tried counseling, but there are some things counseling cannot fix. No human, whether male or female, should ever have to face abuse at the hands of another. Ondrea faced more than her share. She believed in the sanctity of marriage and tried to hold her marriage together.
As I read Ondre's descriptions eye I could see Beulah Mae in her Cleopatra outfit and bulging tummy, and Marceous with the top hat and cane. I wanted to shout, "Run! Don't marry him!" I believe Ondrea was more than fair in her description of her marriage and her husband. She goes into great detail describing their honeymoon, home and childbirth. J'son M. Lee is the co-author of this book. They both deserve great credit for their writing skills. The story is told through Ondrea''s point of view, and the style is conversational. I felt as though I were sitting across the table from Ondrea as she poured out her heart. There were a few very minor grammatical errors, but they did not detract from the essence of the story. This is a story that had to be told.
Recommend this book:
A Beautiful Kind of Broken
Luke Holter
2011 Silver Medal
176 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Biblical Counseling
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite
A Beautiful Kind of Broken is a good addition to the plethora of books on spiritual guidance. Author Luke Holter really covers how to forgive others in a way that is easy to understand and apply. He writes quite candidly about religions that point fingers at people who are not members of that faith, and how a person trying to regain his/her faith must not absorb this totally incorrect message. Wow! Holter also directs his message to people who are depressed or doubtful after being mislead and mishandled by a church or person who ministers in the name of religion. He himself has been through trials in his life and now shares with others how to climb back what he calls the "God-given destiny of an abundant and joyful life."
Luke Holter has created a book that is easy to read, and although it's religious, it is not offensive. A Beautiful Kind of Broken is very attractively formatted and easy to read. There are questions at the end of each chapter that will let the reader think about what they have just read. Holter writes that his purpose in writing this book is to "equip people with the tools for overcoming rejection and spiritual abuse." Because he has been through a very great deal personally, he writes convincingly.
This book is for people of Christian faiths everywhere. People of other world faiths may not be interested in all the book's religious aspects, but they will appreciate the author's clear message on forgiving and moving forward.
A Beautiful Kind of Broken is a good addition to the plethora of books on spiritual guidance. Author Luke Holter really covers how to forgive others in a way that is easy to understand and apply. He writes quite candidly about religions that point fingers at people who are not members of that faith, and how a person trying to regain his/her faith must not absorb this totally incorrect message. Wow! Holter also directs his message to people who are depressed or doubtful after being mislead and mishandled by a church or person who ministers in the name of religion. He himself has been through trials in his life and now shares with others how to climb back what he calls the "God-given destiny of an abundant and joyful life."
Luke Holter has created a book that is easy to read, and although it's religious, it is not offensive. A Beautiful Kind of Broken is very attractively formatted and easy to read. There are questions at the end of each chapter that will let the reader think about what they have just read. Holter writes that his purpose in writing this book is to "equip people with the tools for overcoming rejection and spiritual abuse." Because he has been through a very great deal personally, he writes convincingly.
This book is for people of Christian faiths everywhere. People of other world faiths may not be interested in all the book's religious aspects, but they will appreciate the author's clear message on forgiving and moving forward.
Recommend this book:
Beyond the Rapids
Evelyn Puerto
2011 Bronze Medal
321 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Biblical Counseling
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Too many Christians believe persecution is a thing of the past. When they hear the word persecution they think of the early church when Christians were fed to lions. Evelyn Puerto reminds readers that in many countries persecution of Christians still exists.
Dr. Alexei Gavrilovich Brynza, his wife Valentine and their four children served the Lord in Zaporozhe in southeastern Ukraine during Soviet rule. Dr. Brynza was a strong Christian and lived his faith despite the consequences. The children attended school and were forced to chant "Lenin Lived, Lenin lives, and Lenin will live forever" along with the other students.
The story of the Brynza family is told by the children of the Brynzas. Lena recounts some of the many times when God answered their prayers and how her parents' influence affected her relationship with Christ. Yakov remembers his mother praying for him and the many times when he felt the Lord presence.
Life was not easy for the Brynza children. They were stigmatized for their parents' faith. Yakov wanted to be a doctor and repeatedly took the exam to enter the university. In large red letters the word Baptist was written on all his work. He was angry that his father's faith was keeping him out of the university. Yakov was left with a choice, God or country. After much prayer and contemplation, he chose God.
This book is a reminder that some day we may each be tested in our faith. Will we stand firm despite the consequences? It is easy for me to say, "Yes, I will," but when confronted with persecution, will I be strong enough in my faith to face what lies ahead?
Beyond the Rapids is an incredible story. I was touched by the faith of the Brynzas. Evelyn Puerto brings this story to life. I felt as though I knew the individuals and they were sharing with me. Each individual tells the story through his or her perspective. Each individual faced temptation in some form yet each held true to his/her faith. Puerto tells a story that had to be told. Christians are still persecuted today in China, Libya, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, and in many other nations. By writing this book Puerto shines much needed light on what is going on around the world. Have we become too complacent? I'll have to answer that for myself.
Too many Christians believe persecution is a thing of the past. When they hear the word persecution they think of the early church when Christians were fed to lions. Evelyn Puerto reminds readers that in many countries persecution of Christians still exists.
Dr. Alexei Gavrilovich Brynza, his wife Valentine and their four children served the Lord in Zaporozhe in southeastern Ukraine during Soviet rule. Dr. Brynza was a strong Christian and lived his faith despite the consequences. The children attended school and were forced to chant "Lenin Lived, Lenin lives, and Lenin will live forever" along with the other students.
The story of the Brynza family is told by the children of the Brynzas. Lena recounts some of the many times when God answered their prayers and how her parents' influence affected her relationship with Christ. Yakov remembers his mother praying for him and the many times when he felt the Lord presence.
Life was not easy for the Brynza children. They were stigmatized for their parents' faith. Yakov wanted to be a doctor and repeatedly took the exam to enter the university. In large red letters the word Baptist was written on all his work. He was angry that his father's faith was keeping him out of the university. Yakov was left with a choice, God or country. After much prayer and contemplation, he chose God.
This book is a reminder that some day we may each be tested in our faith. Will we stand firm despite the consequences? It is easy for me to say, "Yes, I will," but when confronted with persecution, will I be strong enough in my faith to face what lies ahead?
Beyond the Rapids is an incredible story. I was touched by the faith of the Brynzas. Evelyn Puerto brings this story to life. I felt as though I knew the individuals and they were sharing with me. Each individual tells the story through his or her perspective. Each individual faced temptation in some form yet each held true to his/her faith. Puerto tells a story that had to be told. Christians are still persecuted today in China, Libya, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, and in many other nations. By writing this book Puerto shines much needed light on what is going on around the world. Have we become too complacent? I'll have to answer that for myself.
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