Remember God by Annie F. Downs

I have long been a fan of Annie F. Downs.  She was a speaker at the 2018 IF: Gathering and had me crying literally in less than a minute of her talk as she described what her grandmother had meant to her.  Up until that point, I had only ever heard her speak and had...

“Once We Were Strangers” by Shawn Smucker *Book Review*

"Once We Were Strangers" by Shawn Smucker is a story of friendship between a middle-aged writer and a middle-aged Syrian refugee, both struggling in their own respective situations.  In 2012, Mohammad fled his Syrian village with his wife and four sons in tow.   Mohammad's story intersects with Shawn four years later when they meet...

“Courage, Dear Heart” by Rebecca K. Reynolds *Book Review*

As I entered into 2019, I felt as if a black cloud of sorts was hovering over me and following my every move.  No matter what I did, I couldn't hide from it.  My heart was weary and my soul ached to be free.  This book was exactly what I needed.  Rebecca K. Reynolds is...

Breaking the Fear Cycle by Maria Furlough *Book Review*

In Breaking the Fear Cycle by Maria Furlough, she shares her deeply intimate and powerful story, one that no mother should ever have to go through.  And yet, through the pain, the fear, and the suffering God used it for her good and for His glory.  In this book you will learn of one woman's...

Stretched Too Thin by Jessica N. Turner *Book Review*

Working Mom and Author, Jessica N. Turner writes "how working moms can lose the guilt, work smarter, and thrive" in her new book Stretched Too Thin.  I have long followed Jessica on social media but this is the first book of hers that I have read.  I'll be honest, I chose this book to read,...

2018 Book Review Roundup Part 4

It feels like it has been a "hot minute" since I have blogged and the truth is, it has been.  I feel as though everything comes to a screeching halt during the summer, at least for me it does.  All the time and energy I have during the school year to focus on my blog...

Why Her? 6 Truths We Need to Hear When Measuring Up Leaves Us Falling Behind *Book Review*

"Why Her?" by Nicki Koziarz is such a timely book.  In a world full of competition and comparison, we often find ourselves asking the question, "Why Her? Why not me?"  I am all for social media such as Instagram and Facebook.  I believe that it can be used for good, but on the flip side...

936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting *Book Review*

I am a harsh critic when it comes to parenting books, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one.  The author writes about how she “was given a jar of 936 pennies (one penny for each week of her son’s life from birth to age 18), it was a tangible reminder of how fast kids grow up.”...

Begin Again: The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt and Receiving Rest *Book Review*

This book was sent to me by Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for me to read and give a review.  I’ll be honest, other than the cover being beautiful, the title didn’t appeal to me at first.  I didn’t think I would connect with the title and the words inside the book, but...

The Life Giving Parent: Giving Your Child a Life Worth Living in Christ *Book Review*

This book was coauthored by Clay and Sally Clarkson, a husband and wife team. I have read a couple of Sally’s books before and enjoyed them, but this one was a little different.  The bulk of each chapter was written by Clay with a lot of biblical teaching about parenting and towards the very end,...