The Grace of God

God’s grace, we hear about it all the time but what is it really? In his book “The Grace of God” Andy Stanley tries to break down and explain in more simple ways what the grace of God really is, not a bunch of rules and regulations to follow but an immeasurable love that we can get just simply by asking for it.
Many people think that God wants us to follow a bunch of rules and that he extends His grace only when He wants too. This is simply not true; God’s grace is surrounding every person every day. The Bible, from beginning to ending is all about the grace of God.
This book gives scriptures to help you learn more and more about the grace of God. The book will come alive in some spots with the background and details that come with the story. The book can be a bit sluggish in a few areas but overall I believe that everyone can learn more about God’s grace. I recommend this book to anyone struggling to find the grace of God in their everyday life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Out Live Your LIfe

When you make a difference in someone’s life it changes you on the inside. Your life will affect many people, how you affect them is the big question. “Out Live Your Life” is Max Lucado’s newest book. Now I know what many people think when they read the title of this book. How can I be put front and center and make a name for myself. This book is in no way close to that description.
Using stories of from people around the world Max Lucado show that even you can make a difference where you are today. On page 172 there is a quote that I believe we, as the church, need to listen to over and over again.

“None of us can help everyone, but all of us can help someone. And when we help them, we serve Jesus.”

It is time for us to reach those within our reach and stop looking for only the next big thing as a church. When we come together to make a difference in people’s lives, the very people that we see each day, then we can change the world in the manner in which Jesus did.
I recommend this book to anyone who feel insignificant, worthless, or that they cannot make a difference to people. This is also a great book for small groups to go through together. In the end what will you leave behind, other then what you have done for people around you. Think about it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Heavens Proclaim His Glory

“The Heavens Proclaim His Glory” is a book that shows pictures of the universe taken with the Hubble telescope. They start off with a quote from Abraham Lincoln, “I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God.”
When you think about how intricate everything is around us it can only lead you to believe that is was the deliberate work of a creator. Each picture is accompanied by a biblical quote or saying from people such as Max Lucado, Mike Huckabee, Kirk Cameron and many more.
I really enjoyed looking through this book and reading what was with each page. Although some of the pictures seem to be put together in a photo program, I highly recommend this book. You can place this on your coffee table for others to read when they visit.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Boy Who Changed the World

Have you had difficulties teaching your children that what they do now can change the world? Or that it really does and can make a difference? “The Boy Who Changed the World” by Andy Andrews is a book that can help you show your kids that they can make a difference by what they do now.
This book is a children’s version of “The Butterfly Effect” that shows that when you do something, you may feel that it is minor in significance, however it can change the world on the back end. Going through the stories of a few men, Andy Andrews shows how people can do one thing in their lives that lead to major accomplishments.
I would not recommend this book for younger children, but more for those that are around eight years old and older. There are some bigger words that may be confusing to those younger. The storyline works backwards and can be a little confusing at times.
Overall the illustrations are good, and the story has a great meaning to it, other than the stated issues above the book is a nice addition to any collection.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Butterfly Effect

Have you ever wondered if you could change the world? Do you realize that even the small things you do can lead to big changes in the future? “The Butterfly Effect” by Andy Andrews chronicles several stories going backwards to show that one small thing that was done, can change the world.
The story can be a little confusing at times due to it going backwards, however you can read the whole book in less than thirty minutes. The layout is nice and the book is small, making it a great book to place on a coffee table or in the bathroom for your guests to read.
As you read this book you will see how one small conversation you have, or one small gesture you do can have an effect on many people. This can be a good or bad thing depending on the situation and how it is presented. This is a good read for anyone who has ever felt that their life did not matter.
I would recommend this book as it helps to show you that you can make a difference, even in your small world of influence.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Cast of Characters

Have you ever wondered about the people that God has worked through? Do you wonder what happened to them after their brief mention in the Bible? If so, then you need to read Cast of Characters by Max Lucado.
I was so anxious to read this book; I borrowed a copy while I waited for the book to arrive in the mail. I am glad that I didn’t wait. This book takes a look at the ordinary people that God uses to do His work on earth.
This is a book that you do not need to read one chapter at a time. You can flip through and read about the people that you are interested in, or that you want to know more about. Each chapter focuses on a single person and their story. At the end of each chapter you will find study questions that you can look over by yourself or even in a small group setting.
I really enjoyed reading this book as it opened up more of God’s Word to me as I learned more about the people that He has chosen to use. The subtitle tells it all: Common People in the Hands of an Uncommon God.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Portable Patriot

The Portable Patriot: Documents, Speeches, and Sermons that Compose the American Soul brings into print a collection of documents that were written by those who founded out Nation and shows the values and principles that they held so dear.

The history of our great nation was held in those values and principles and put forth in the writings of the times. This book brings together a lot of these writings. From the Mayflower Compact through the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights, The Portable Patriot makes this history accessible.

This is a book that I will place on my living room table so that others can read and enjoy the treasure that it represents. You do not need to read this book cover to cover as you can just read the documents one at a time. Other then the book being a bit smallish, I had no problems with the formatting of this book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes early American history. This is also a great resource book for those that are studying American history as it holds in its pages many important documents in their entirety.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”