Netgalley Review: Hot, Holy, and Humorous

Do you want to be a hottie in the bedroom without sacrificing holiness? How can you make the most of God’s gift of sexual intimacy in marriage?
Wrongful thinking and behaviors regarding sex permeate our culture. Christians need to reclaim sexuality and enjoy it in the way God intended.
 
God does not shy away from the subject of sex. The Bible shows a better way in every area—including the marital bedroom.
 
In Hot, Holy, and Humorous, author J. Parker gives candid advice for wives from a foundation of faith with a splash of humor.
 
This book can boost your sex savvy and improve your marital intimacy. And guess what? With God’s perfect design, you and your spouse can enjoy the most amazing sex!

My Review:

While there are references to love and lovemaking in the bible, there aren't exactly a lot of hot and steamy passages, or any detail about trivial marriage things, like how Abram and his wife decided (probably together, I don't see any woman making such a decision on her own) that he should sleep with someone else for the good of the future. 
There are many (perhaps too many) references to Star Trek in the first chapter of Hot, Holy and Humorous. While I appreciate the first chapter describing how to spark common romance in the relationship, the constant Star Trek references took away from it. As it so happens, I'm the less romantic one in our relationship and I don't like the implication that I'm an emotionless alien.
But it got better. Parker breaks down how to write a love letter you don't totally hate, and mentions that if it makes the great poets roll in their graves your mate will likely love it anyway. 
Between common obstacles that spoke directly to my heart like having totally off sleeping schedules, not knowing how to buy lingerie, being okay with more than the missionary position, and how to initiate sex, I felt like Parker was the best friend I never had. The whole book being centered on God was a bonus.
My favorite idea: having sex in a homemade fort. 
This book did have more to-the-point descriptions and diagrams involved, which I appreciated. I'd actually probably give this book to my daughter when she's of age. But if you blush easy, you might want to stay away.
4.5/5

ebook review: 50 things you need to know about Satan and demons

Bible Professor Mark Muska gives short, clear answers to the most-asked questions about Satan and demons, revealing exactly what God's Word does and doesn't say.

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My Review:

I got a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Since I've been re-introduced to God by my husband, I've been drawn to books about Christianity. Namely, books on spiritual warfare so I can win any battles that might lead me away from God again. I'm always super picky about the credibility of the books I read, especially on this subject. Mark didn't disappoint, with scriptures that were cited, not paraphrased, and a simple language that welcomed me instead of seeming overwhelming. As I read this book, keeping in mind how I had strayed from God in the first place, I found myself highlighting parts and going "yeah, that sounds right. That's about what happened."

Any new Christian, or new-again Christian, or even aged Christians who haven't done any independent studying on the faith should start with this book.

ebook review: addicted to busy

Are you busier than you want to be?
Than you need to be?
Than you are meant to be? 
It's time to break busy.
We are all spread too thin, taking on more than we can handle, trying to do so much—almost as if we are afraid that if we were to take a moment of rest, we might discover that all our busyness is covering up an essential lack in our lives.

But God never meant for us to be so busy. God desires for us peace. God desires rest.

Brady Boyd shows you how to live a life that embraces stillness and solitude and finds the peace that God wants for you.

Goodreads  |  Amazon

My Review:

I've been working on catching up on NetGalley, at least the books I still have that weren't lost forever due to not downloading them on time.

It took me a while to get to this book. I was, ironically, too busy. But the author's voice was easy to follow, and interesting enough to want to keep following. I enjoyed the "breaking busy" challenges at the end of each chapter, but I think thats more of a testament to my character than anything else. I like being able to interact with my books and I LOVE challenges.

While sometimes I felt like if I ever met Brady I may not get along with him, I greatly admired his ability to be 100% honest with himself. And honestly, that's the only way anyone will get to start recovering from anything.

As my office goes into overtime season for the holidays, I might think of this book. But I might also push the thought aside. Either way I'll keep this book in mind for when I get older and ready to slow down. I'd recommend this book to everyone except most people in my generation will take the advice and ignore it like I probably will. But everyone maybe 30 years or older, or working parents who may be too busy for their kids sometimes should definitely give this book a go.

Book Review: The New Pastor's Handbook

Start your ministry off strong--and smart
If you're like most new pastors, you will suddenly realize in your first years of ministry that you are not prepared for many of the practical aspects of your calling. The New Pastor's Handbook is your guide to navigating these unfamiliar waters. With his hard-won wisdom, pastor Jason Helopoulos comes alongside you as a trusted friend and mentor to help and encourage you through your first years of ministry. He'll show you how to
· start out strong at a new church
· persevere during difficult seasons of ministry
· lead meetings and delegate tasks
· safeguard your family
· fight discouragement, pastor envy, and a lack of contentment
· navigate special ministry needs, such as hospital visits, weddings, and funerals
· and much more

Buy on Amazon

My Review:

I got this book for free through a Goodreads Firstreads Giveaway.

I'm not a pastor. I didn't exactly go seeking out this book. I don't see me or anyone I know becoming a pastor. But, if I were to meet someone fresh out of Seminary School who thought his learning was done, I'd find a different church. Helopoulos acknowledges that a pastor's learning is never finished, never mind what a diploma implies. 

Even if not exactly relevant to mt life, I found the chapters interesting and the author humble. Definitely recommended for those looking to be spiritual leaders and teachers.

book review: Happiness

Christians are supposed to be happy. In fact, we are supposed to radiate joy, peace, and contentment that is so unmistakable and so attractive that others are naturally drawn to us because they want what we have. And yet, in today’s culture, the vast majority of Christians are perceived as angry, judgmental people who don’t seem to derive any joy from life whatsoever. So why aren’t we happy?
Unfortunately, many Christians are taught early on that God doesn’t want us to be happy (he wants us to be holy). In fact, many Christians are laboring under the false notion that God himself is not happy. But nothing could be further from the truth! God does want us to be happy. The Bible is filled with verses that prove that ours is a happy, joy-filled God who not only loves celebrations but also desperately wants his children to be happy. Why else would He go to the lengths He did to ensure our eternal happiness in His presence? We know that we will experience unimaginable joy and happiness in Heaven, but that doesn’t mean we can’t also experience joy and happiness here on earth.
In Happiness, noted theologian Randy Alcorn dispels centuries of misconceptions about happiness and provides indisputable proof that God not only wants us to be happy, He commands it. The most definitive study on the subject of happiness to date, this book is a paradigm-shifting wake-up call for the church and Christians everywhere.

Buy on Amazon

My Review:
Randy Alcorn's 'Happiness' didn't change my life. I was already more or less happy--more so since having converted to Christianity. I have heard of the happy vs. holy vs. joy argument before, so none of these nearly 500 pages (!) came out of left field for me. Every so often I did have to text a verse to my husband for clarification, context, or his opinion whenever a reference felt off to me, but whenever he replied it made sense with what Alcorn was stating. 

If you're a new Christian, this is a great book. This is a great book if you're an old Christian too. But because I found a lot more meaning and fulfillment in getting input on certain passages, I think this book would be even better as a discussion or book club book. Certainly something I'd like to see in a church gift shop or library.

I've read some varied early reviews, and I do somewhat agree and disagree with other's opinions. For instance, I don't think Alcorn is stating "if you're not happy in life you're sinning". I think he meant more along the lines of "if you deny your happiness in what God has given you in the name of being holy instead of happy, you've basically slapped God in the face." But that's what makes this book such a good discussion/book club book. We could talk about these things with friends or colleagues at the same time, maybe over the course of a month as you read this because again it is a pretty long book. 

My tip for reading this book: get a binder clip to act as both a bookmark and a page holder. It will save your fingers/hands from getting cramped or tired.

Book source: Tyndale Blog Network

Review: What Love Looks Like

Moving, Personal Accounts of God's Love from 12 Noted Leaders 
The Church is known for many things. Love is not usually one of them. 
Is it possible to show a hungry world the kind of love the Bible promises? Here are candid stories from twelve respected leaders in the renewal today, promising us that the agape love of God is strongly at work--if we are willing to be vulnerable for his honor. 
Jesus challenges us to let him pour out his love through willing vessels. These remarkable stories inspire us to become outlets of the love through which Jesus will change the world. 
Contributors are Heidi Baker, Stacey Campbell, Mahesh Chavda, James W. Goll, Joan Hunter, Harry R. Jackson Jr., Patricia King, James Maloney, Jackie Pullinger, Mickey Robinson, Doug Stringer, and Barbara Yoder.

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My Review:

This book has a lot going for it. It's easy to read, emotional, and changed a small part of my life and thinking. I highly recommend this to Christians because sometimes we get so caught up in the small do's and dont's and different interpretations of the bible that we forgot the top two commandments: Love Me [God] above all, and love [everyone else] your neighbor as yourself.

I mean, every single decision we make comes down to these two rules. You just have to ask yourself: Am I loving God and this person by picketing this funeral? By feeding these people? By refusing to marry these people? By taking in these refugees?

I love that I have this book on my shelf because it's something I can see myself coming back to and reading whenever I feel I've lost myself or my focus in life. The only thing that wasn't exceptional (but kind of was, in it's own way) is that these essays are so brilliantly written and I wanted so bad to cry while reading this. Generally that's a sign of a really good book but I was at work and I work in a call center, so crying is a no-no. 

So Why not 5 stars, Kristina? Like many Christian books, some parts seemed ridiculous and overboard, like refusing to go to the hospital because you want God to heal you--not something I would ever tell my daughter to do. But I mean if you can focus on the overall message I'm sure you'll find it a five star read.

review: The plans I have for you

The Plans I Have for You combines playful rhyming text written by bestselling children s book author Amy Parker with whimsical illustrations by award-winning artist Vanessa Brantley-Newton to create a book that inspires readers of all ages to dream about their future. God has great plans for each and every one of us, and this book encourages children to think about the talents that make them special and will help them imagine how God may use our unique traits to make the world a better place."

Buy on Amazon



My Review:

I got to share this marvelous book with my daughter for free, courtesy of the BookLook Bloggers program.

First glance:
This book follows one of the most assuring verses in the bible for people who worry or are ever anxious about their futures:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.:-- Jer. 29:11

This is a book geared towards young children of toddler to grade school age.


My thoughts:
Parker uses bright and simple illustrations and an easy cadence that kept my one year old's attention. She not only enjoyed it, but I loved it too. I'm not sure if it's possible to spoil a picture book, so I'll only say that I really liked the creative interpretation of how god plans for each of us on one of the pages. This is a book I can see reading again and again, for the great message that everything will be okay no matter what you choose to be in life, and for the sheer enjoyment of reading this. Honestly, I would love to read this book 10 times in a row far over reading 'animals on the farm' 10 times in a row.

Book Review: Waiting on God

We have all experienced a disconnect between God's promises to us and our everyday reality. We wait, without understanding why. We want to know God's plan so that we can trust it--but God so often hides his plan so that we will trust "him." What can we do in the meantime as we are waiting for an answer, a change, or a miracle? 
With deep compassion, Wayne Stiles helps readers understand why God makes them wait. Unpacking the Old Testament story of Joseph, Stiles shows readers how to find comfort and opportunity in the time between God's promises and his answers, revealing the perspective-altering truth that sometimes when we think we are waiting on God, he is actually waiting on us. 
Anyone who has felt a disconnect between God's promises and their reality, who doesn't know what God wants them to do next, or who struggles with the brokenness of their world will find in Wayne Stiles a wise and trustworthy guide to finding peace in the pauses.
Buy on Amazon


My Review: 
There's something special about a book on God written by a student of theology. Wayne Stiles wrote this book that answers the question "If God love me, then why___?"

In this work, Stiles uses the story of Joseph. You know Joseph--the one with the coat? The one that has both a Veggie Tales movie AND a musical about him? We all know that story forwards and back, right?
Strangely, no. Stiles breaks down the story with commentary and interpretations that make you rethink what you think you know. And like any teacher, Stiles takes his time getting to the point sometimes. He'll go off on something that SEEMS unrelated. But every word is significant and intentional.

With all this information and insight I've read, with Stiles clearly being an expert in his field yet somehow remaining humble throughout his writing, not only would I recommend and buy this for a friend, but I would seek out everything else by this author to do the same.

I'm glad I received this through a Firstreads giveaway.

My Rating: 5/5

Book Review: How to be rich

You probably don't feel rich. Rich is the other guy. Rich is having more than you currently have. But you can be rich and not feel it. And that's the problem. Andy Stanley is convinced that most of us are richer than we think. We just aren't very good at it. It's one thing to BE rich. Andy wants us to be GOOD at it!

Andy Stanley is a pastor, communicator, author, and the founder of North Point Ministries (NPM). Since its inception in 1995, North Point Ministries has grown from one church to five in the Atlanta area and has developed a global network of 30 churches.

Each Sunday, more than 36,000 people attend NPM's five Atlanta-area churches: Browns Bridge Community Church, Buckhead Church, Gwinnett Church, North Point Community Church, and Watermarke Church.

Andy's books include How To Be Rich, as well as Deep & Wide, Enemies of the Heart, The Next Generation Leader, and How Good Is Good Enough? Andy and his wife, Sandra, live in Alpharetta, Georgia, and have three grown children.

MY REVIEW:

I picked up this book because my family is in a rough place. We had it good--so good--until we didn't. At the time, my husband and I were both working and pulling in about $1200 a month. We felt rich. My husband lost his job. I picked up extra hours. Our monthly income: $800. We still felt okay. Richer than when we first moved into our apartment.

Then I had my baby and lost my job. Suddenly there was no income coming in. I picked up a nannying job: $400 a month. It covered rent, but we needed more if we were going to eat and keep the Internet.

We swallowed our pride and turned to the state. Now we have enough for a month's worth of food if we eat ramen and hot dogs for the last week, and enough for a can of formula if my daughter hits a growth spurt that my body can't quite keep up with.

I read this book for the same reason anyone in my position would--I want to be rich again. When Stanley said most Americans considered 37K a year to be a pay cut, I laughed. I'd be happy with 24K a year--about $2000 a month to cover necessities and start a savings account for our daughter.

Then I read more. I have a microwave, even if only the left side of it works (don't ask). My husband and I are both healthy if you ignore his broken collarbone. We are fed and we are warm and, while a little uncomfortable, we're happy. I still don't feel rich. But I do feel less poor. But there's more.

I discovered that when we were rich, we were bad at being rich. I knew it at the time, like when my husband bought a TV instead of a crib or an xbox instead of a breast pump set. But even beyond that--we weren't helping anyone. We could have gone down the street and gave money to the food pantry that had helped us out before. We could have taken advantage of the 10 for $10 deals at our grocery and made a whole bunch of sack lunches for the homeless downtown. We didn't. I spent my money on my sister, which is a certain kind of selfishness because I love her. Or I bought video games (to bond with my sister).

I'm kind of new at being Christian--I'm still figuring it out. But this book is honest practically to the point of being revolutionary, and everyone should read it.

star rating: 4.5 of 5