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Recommend this book:
Embrace Grace
Liz Curtis Higgs
2012 Silver Medal
160 Pages
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Christian - Devotion/Study
Reviewed by Lori M for Readers' Favorite
Liz Curtis Higgs once again knocks it out of the ballpark. When Liz writes, it is like she is speaking directly to the reader and knows each one’s fears and concerns. Self-described as a girl who has been hurt by almost everyone in her life, Curt-Higgs helps others take of their “I’m a bad person” coats and embrace grace, doubt, faith, truth, sin, forgiveness and repentance.
Who among us hasn’t wondered how God could love us after all the 'bad' stuff we’ve done? All we need to know is that God has forgiven us and loves us, which should be more than enough for anyone. Liz helped me understand what grace truly means. I have struggled with its definition, but she perfectly explained it when she said it is simply God’s love. Liz is known as an encourager and she certainly provides tons of it in this book. Sharing her own story as well as stories of other women who have written to her about their overwhelming feelings of guilt, Curtis-Higgs shows us that we don’t have to feel as if we don’t belong anywhere because God can use us, as broken and imperfect as we are, for His glory.
One warning though; if this is the first Liz Curtis Higgs you read, once you have finished, you are going to want all of the other dozens of books she has written. Yeah, she is THAT good.
Thank you, Lizzie, for showing women what God wants for their lives and the gift He has waiting for them.
Liz Curtis Higgs once again knocks it out of the ballpark. When Liz writes, it is like she is speaking directly to the reader and knows each one’s fears and concerns. Self-described as a girl who has been hurt by almost everyone in her life, Curt-Higgs helps others take of their “I’m a bad person” coats and embrace grace, doubt, faith, truth, sin, forgiveness and repentance.
Who among us hasn’t wondered how God could love us after all the 'bad' stuff we’ve done? All we need to know is that God has forgiven us and loves us, which should be more than enough for anyone. Liz helped me understand what grace truly means. I have struggled with its definition, but she perfectly explained it when she said it is simply God’s love. Liz is known as an encourager and she certainly provides tons of it in this book. Sharing her own story as well as stories of other women who have written to her about their overwhelming feelings of guilt, Curtis-Higgs shows us that we don’t have to feel as if we don’t belong anywhere because God can use us, as broken and imperfect as we are, for His glory.
One warning though; if this is the first Liz Curtis Higgs you read, once you have finished, you are going to want all of the other dozens of books she has written. Yeah, she is THAT good.
Thank you, Lizzie, for showing women what God wants for their lives and the gift He has waiting for them.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-sad-mad-glad-christian&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31ZOSaXyJVL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="The Sad Mad Glad Christian: The Anatomy of Your Faith" is an inspiring book written by Chuck Stump and Jim Strawn. Faith is believing in something you cannot see physically, but believing that there is a greater purpose at work. With many verses quoted from the books of John, Hebrews, Romans, Psalms, Exodus, Genesis, Matthew and Luke, the authors ...){kind=link}
The Sad Mad Glad Christian
The Anatomy of Your Faith
Chuck Stump, Jim Strawn, Nancy Wallace and Karen Reddick
2012 Gold Medal
100 Pages
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Christian - Devotion/Study
Reviewed by Rita Vetsch for Readers' Favorite
"The Sad Mad Glad Christian: The Anatomy of Your Faith" is an inspiring book written by Chuck Stump and Jim Strawn. Faith is believing in something you cannot see physically, but believing that there is a greater purpose at work. With many verses quoted from the books of John, Hebrews, Romans, Psalms, Exodus, Genesis, Matthew and Luke, the authors have written a good book in simple language so that children can understand and learn about God and Christianity in a creative and informative way. With vivid photos that bring the verses alive, many lessons from God are explained in simple terms, including Creation, celebrating Christmas, Apostles, Disciples, Sacrifice and more. There are many symbols of our faith including rainbows, doves and water, which remind us that God loves us. We all as individuals must try to do one random act of kindness each day where we can lend a helping hand selflessly.
Chuck Stump and Jim Strawn have teamed up to co-author a very meaningful book that is packed full of spiritual messages and written on a level that children will be able to easily comprehend. The beautiful photos and the colored text bring the book to life and compliment the wording perfectly. I absolutely loved the spiritual messages and was able to easily read this book with my eight year old daughter. She loved the questions at the bottom of the pages as they prompted her to think about her own experiences of Christianity and God. This book is a great addition to any Sunday school or home school curriculum and goes hand-in-hand with the teachings of the Lord. It is a book that every Christian child should have in their hands because it is much more than a book, for it truly is something they can take away and apply in their own lives.
"The Sad Mad Glad Christian: The Anatomy of Your Faith" is an inspiring book written by Chuck Stump and Jim Strawn. Faith is believing in something you cannot see physically, but believing that there is a greater purpose at work. With many verses quoted from the books of John, Hebrews, Romans, Psalms, Exodus, Genesis, Matthew and Luke, the authors have written a good book in simple language so that children can understand and learn about God and Christianity in a creative and informative way. With vivid photos that bring the verses alive, many lessons from God are explained in simple terms, including Creation, celebrating Christmas, Apostles, Disciples, Sacrifice and more. There are many symbols of our faith including rainbows, doves and water, which remind us that God loves us. We all as individuals must try to do one random act of kindness each day where we can lend a helping hand selflessly.
Chuck Stump and Jim Strawn have teamed up to co-author a very meaningful book that is packed full of spiritual messages and written on a level that children will be able to easily comprehend. The beautiful photos and the colored text bring the book to life and compliment the wording perfectly. I absolutely loved the spiritual messages and was able to easily read this book with my eight year old daughter. She loved the questions at the bottom of the pages as they prompted her to think about her own experiences of Christianity and God. This book is a great addition to any Sunday school or home school curriculum and goes hand-in-hand with the teachings of the Lord. It is a book that every Christian child should have in their hands because it is much more than a book, for it truly is something they can take away and apply in their own lives.
Recommend this book:
Forgiveness Formula
Finding Lasting Freedom in Christ
CJ and Shelley Hitz
2012 Honorable Mention
188 Pages
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Christian - Devotion/Study
Reviewed by Lori M for Readers' Favorite
Authors CJ and Shelley Hitz do a wonderful job of sharing stories from their lives and then addressing the issues presented in those stories with scripture quotes and examples from the Bible. At the end of each section, they provide questions to consider and provide sample prayer suggestions.
One of the first points the authors make is that we call Jesus our Lord, but we still don't obey him. They explain that we don't obey God because we think His math is wrong. Forgive those who hurt us? That doesn't add up, at least that's what we think.
The reader will learn the author's perspective on Jesus being the greatest mathematician that ever lived, with examples like the shepherd who left his 99 sheep in order to find the one lost sheep and the woman who poured the expensive perfume over Jesus' head and feet.
My husband was asleep when I first started reading this book and when he got up, he saw that I was crying. "What's wrong?" he asked. "God's working on me and helping me forgive," I answered. That's how powerful this book was for me.
I chose to read this book because I knew that I had a problem with not forgiving someone in my life, and I wanted to know how to deal with it. This book delivered -- boy did it ever deliver! At several key points throughout the book, I felt God talking directly to me to deal with my own un-forgivingness, and I stopped and prayed and felt the healing begin. If you haven't forgiven someone in your life, and you want to learn how to do that, you need to read this book. It'll definitely make a difference on your life.
Authors CJ and Shelley Hitz do a wonderful job of sharing stories from their lives and then addressing the issues presented in those stories with scripture quotes and examples from the Bible. At the end of each section, they provide questions to consider and provide sample prayer suggestions.
One of the first points the authors make is that we call Jesus our Lord, but we still don't obey him. They explain that we don't obey God because we think His math is wrong. Forgive those who hurt us? That doesn't add up, at least that's what we think.
The reader will learn the author's perspective on Jesus being the greatest mathematician that ever lived, with examples like the shepherd who left his 99 sheep in order to find the one lost sheep and the woman who poured the expensive perfume over Jesus' head and feet.
My husband was asleep when I first started reading this book and when he got up, he saw that I was crying. "What's wrong?" he asked. "God's working on me and helping me forgive," I answered. That's how powerful this book was for me.
I chose to read this book because I knew that I had a problem with not forgiving someone in my life, and I wanted to know how to deal with it. This book delivered -- boy did it ever deliver! At several key points throughout the book, I felt God talking directly to me to deal with my own un-forgivingness, and I stopped and prayed and felt the healing begin. If you haven't forgiven someone in your life, and you want to learn how to do that, you need to read this book. It'll definitely make a difference on your life.
Recommend this book:
The Big Picture
Beyr Reyes
2011 Bronze Medal
124 Pages
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Christian - Devotion/Study
Reviewed by Tammy G. for Readers' Favorite
The Big Picture is a deep read. The author, Dr. Beyr Reyes, Phd, has done a lot of research on biblical matters pertaining to the End Times. Most of this book is for the scholar who wants to debate the End Times. There is a lot of Scripture references to provide the reader with tools for looking up and deciding what the Big Picture may be for humans.
I don't disagree with the scripture references; however, I think that anyone can "use" God's Word as a tool to make their judgments instead of a "this is right because it's in the Bible" approach. As a Christian and as a reader I felt that this book has great information but might appeal to more readers if it were more on the "everyman's" reading level.
The Big Picture is a deep read. The author, Dr. Beyr Reyes, Phd, has done a lot of research on biblical matters pertaining to the End Times. Most of this book is for the scholar who wants to debate the End Times. There is a lot of Scripture references to provide the reader with tools for looking up and deciding what the Big Picture may be for humans.
I don't disagree with the scripture references; however, I think that anyone can "use" God's Word as a tool to make their judgments instead of a "this is right because it's in the Bible" approach. As a Christian and as a reader I felt that this book has great information but might appeal to more readers if it were more on the "everyman's" reading level.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/make-a-choice&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HgwNLTSRL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Make A Choice is a book that will challenge the reader to truly examine the depths of his or her beliefs. The book is divided into two sections. The first section is "Choose Your Belief." Too many claim to believe but have little idea what they believe. They proclaim to believe in God, but so do the demons according to scripture. Throughout time th...){kind=link}
Make A Choice
Beyr Reyes
2011 Silver Medal
186 Pages
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Christian - Devotion/Study
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
Make A Choice is a book that will challenge the reader to truly examine the depths of his or her beliefs. The book is divided into two sections. The first section is "Choose Your Belief." Too many claim to believe but have little idea what they believe. They proclaim to believe in God, but so do the demons according to scripture. Throughout time there have been many gods. People worshiped idols. People still worship idols. Beyr Reyes refers to one of my favorite Old Testament stories in this section. Elijah challenges the priest of two gods to a contest. The result was the people turning back to the one true God.
The second section's focus is on living what we believe. We must submit our will to the Father. Reyes challenges us to examine our lives and how we live. Are we proclaiming to be a Christian but living for the devil? She also stresses the need for forgiveness. We need only to ask, and the Father will forgive. It is much harder to forgive ourselves. She continues by discussing healing, eternal life, and judgment day.
Make A Choice reads like a workbook. There are questions and a place to record one's answers. Each chapter ends with a specific question where the reader can choose yes or no. The author uses scripture to back her beliefs. This book is well-written and well-organized. This book challenged me to, once again, examine my beliefs and decide if I was living up to them.
Make A Choice is a book that will challenge the reader to truly examine the depths of his or her beliefs. The book is divided into two sections. The first section is "Choose Your Belief." Too many claim to believe but have little idea what they believe. They proclaim to believe in God, but so do the demons according to scripture. Throughout time there have been many gods. People worshiped idols. People still worship idols. Beyr Reyes refers to one of my favorite Old Testament stories in this section. Elijah challenges the priest of two gods to a contest. The result was the people turning back to the one true God.
The second section's focus is on living what we believe. We must submit our will to the Father. Reyes challenges us to examine our lives and how we live. Are we proclaiming to be a Christian but living for the devil? She also stresses the need for forgiveness. We need only to ask, and the Father will forgive. It is much harder to forgive ourselves. She continues by discussing healing, eternal life, and judgment day.
Make A Choice reads like a workbook. There are questions and a place to record one's answers. Each chapter ends with a specific question where the reader can choose yes or no. The author uses scripture to back her beliefs. This book is well-written and well-organized. This book challenged me to, once again, examine my beliefs and decide if I was living up to them.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-butterfly-cometh&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41QP%2BO3cXML._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=This book is aptly named, "The Butterfly Cometh". A butterfly starts out as a worm; it wraps itself in a cocoon, and waits. During that time, the body is changing. Slowly it works its way out of the cocoon but it does not immediately fly off. First its wings must dry. Slowly the butterfly unfolds and stretches its wings, that have never been opened...){kind=link}
The Butterfly Cometh
Putting The Color Back Into Life
Diana Webb
2010 Gold Medal
212 Pages
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Christian - Devotion/Study
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
This book is aptly named, "The Butterfly Cometh". A butterfly starts out as a worm; it wraps itself in a cocoon, and waits. During that time, the body is changing. Slowly it works its way out of the cocoon but it does not immediately fly off. First its wings must dry. Slowly the butterfly unfolds and stretches its wings, that have never been opened before. The worm has turned into a butterfly. That is so like people. I find that the butterfly reminds me of my Christian walk. I started out as a child. Slowly I grew in the midst of Bible study, Sunday School, Worship, etc. I wrapped myself in all these things and more. Eventually I emerged still not ready to stretch my wings but soon I was going into the ministry.
MS Webb takes readers on a spiritual journey. Perhaps that was just something I read into it. She acknowledges that we live is a world of strife. This book takes the reader through a time of soul searching. Ms Webb encourages readers to find their true inner self. She reminds us that our wings will not have full color until we allow them to dry. Webb offers readers 171 daily devotions that will build your character, strengthen your friendships, guide your path and lead you closer to the Lord.
The book is easy to read and well organized. Well done!
This book is aptly named, "The Butterfly Cometh". A butterfly starts out as a worm; it wraps itself in a cocoon, and waits. During that time, the body is changing. Slowly it works its way out of the cocoon but it does not immediately fly off. First its wings must dry. Slowly the butterfly unfolds and stretches its wings, that have never been opened before. The worm has turned into a butterfly. That is so like people. I find that the butterfly reminds me of my Christian walk. I started out as a child. Slowly I grew in the midst of Bible study, Sunday School, Worship, etc. I wrapped myself in all these things and more. Eventually I emerged still not ready to stretch my wings but soon I was going into the ministry.
MS Webb takes readers on a spiritual journey. Perhaps that was just something I read into it. She acknowledges that we live is a world of strife. This book takes the reader through a time of soul searching. Ms Webb encourages readers to find their true inner self. She reminds us that our wings will not have full color until we allow them to dry. Webb offers readers 171 daily devotions that will build your character, strengthen your friendships, guide your path and lead you closer to the Lord.
The book is easy to read and well organized. Well done!
Recommend this book:
Make a Joyful Noise
Searching for a Spiritual Path in a Material World
Chariss K Walker
2009 Gold Medal
212 Pages
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Christian - Devotion/Study
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Ordained minister, Chariss K. Walker begins her book, Make a Joyful Noise, by sharing her story. She hit bottom in her early forties. An incurable illness, a divorce, a death in the family was all devastating events. Walker began to search for more. She sought a complete healing, the mind, the body, and the spirit. She turned to Reiki, Hands of Light, NET, EFT, Affirmations, Aromatherapy, Positive Thinking, Holistic Medicine, Psych-K, Reflexology, and other theories that focus on natural cures. While this may sound New Age to many, these methods have been practiced for thousands of years.
Her book is filled with quotes. She uses scripture to support her statements. The Energy of Words and The Right Attitude are common sense. If you continually call someone lazy they will act lazy. Our attitude affects those around us as well as ourselves. Walker discusses oneness. The third section of this book discusses the “toolkit”: prayer, meditation, praise, affirmations, visualization, dreams and numerous other tools.
I found the information in this book fascinating. Walker writes in an easy to understand manner. It is easy to recommend this book
Ordained minister, Chariss K. Walker begins her book, Make a Joyful Noise, by sharing her story. She hit bottom in her early forties. An incurable illness, a divorce, a death in the family was all devastating events. Walker began to search for more. She sought a complete healing, the mind, the body, and the spirit. She turned to Reiki, Hands of Light, NET, EFT, Affirmations, Aromatherapy, Positive Thinking, Holistic Medicine, Psych-K, Reflexology, and other theories that focus on natural cures. While this may sound New Age to many, these methods have been practiced for thousands of years.
Her book is filled with quotes. She uses scripture to support her statements. The Energy of Words and The Right Attitude are common sense. If you continually call someone lazy they will act lazy. Our attitude affects those around us as well as ourselves. Walker discusses oneness. The third section of this book discusses the “toolkit”: prayer, meditation, praise, affirmations, visualization, dreams and numerous other tools.
I found the information in this book fascinating. Walker writes in an easy to understand manner. It is easy to recommend this book
Recommend this book:
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I Stole The Turtle and The Octave Rule
George Norton
2009 Silver Medal
128 Pages
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Christian - Devotion/Study
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
George Norton had me laughing from the first page. He begins his book by telling about his mother and grandmother giving him a bath. He shares the joy of changing his son's diaper and getting hit in the face with a stream of urine. Norton continues telling stories on himself. How he put a broom handle in a girl's mouth (strange). The story of playing doctor was hilarious.
Like George, I grew up in a much more innocent time. Parents were not afraid to “drop us off” somewhere. We played on the railroad tracks. Boys, who I will not mention by name, peed out the upstairs window and killed all their mother’s flowers.
George is right. Things certainly have changed. We need back ground checks to keep the nursery at church or to work with any children. I’m not disagreeing with the need; I’m just saddened by it.
George speaks with profound wisdom. He throws in scripture at just the right spots. He shares the meaning of happiness and true joy.
I Stole the Turtle and The Octave Rule is an odd title for a book. It grabbed my attention. I Stole the Turtle and The Octave Rule will make you laugh a lot and ponder a lot. Well done, Mr. Norton.
George Norton had me laughing from the first page. He begins his book by telling about his mother and grandmother giving him a bath. He shares the joy of changing his son's diaper and getting hit in the face with a stream of urine. Norton continues telling stories on himself. How he put a broom handle in a girl's mouth (strange). The story of playing doctor was hilarious.
Like George, I grew up in a much more innocent time. Parents were not afraid to “drop us off” somewhere. We played on the railroad tracks. Boys, who I will not mention by name, peed out the upstairs window and killed all their mother’s flowers.
George is right. Things certainly have changed. We need back ground checks to keep the nursery at church or to work with any children. I’m not disagreeing with the need; I’m just saddened by it.
George speaks with profound wisdom. He throws in scripture at just the right spots. He shares the meaning of happiness and true joy.
I Stole the Turtle and The Octave Rule is an odd title for a book. It grabbed my attention. I Stole the Turtle and The Octave Rule will make you laugh a lot and ponder a lot. Well done, Mr. Norton.
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