"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointedme to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me tobind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedomfor the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaimthe year of the LORD's favorand the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."~fromISAIAH 61 Bible verse for this Blog
APOLOGY to READERS who followed a SEARCH to HERE & didn't find it
On July 18, 2017, I drafted almost 3000 blog posts that I had published since 2008 when I began blogging, rather than edit each one. So if you clicked here from somewhere else and ended up with the post unavailable or error, I am sorry but this is why. It'd be too much work for me to go back and fix them. There's an explanation on7/19/17as I'm still learning.
"GIRL MEETS CHANGE ... Truths to Carry You Through Life's Transitions"
by
Kristen Strong
Book Description:
"Whether chosen and celebrated--like going off to college or welcoming your first baby--or unexpected and anxiety-inducing--like losing a job or grappling with a broken trust--all change brings stress. Kristen Strong knows about change--especially the kind you didn't choose or expect. What she's fought hard to learn over the years is that change is not something to be feared but something to be received as a blessing from a God who, more often than not, works through change, not in spite of it. Strong has learned to see change not as a grievance but as a grace.'
In this hope-filled book, she shows women how when we follow God's will, we receive blessings of contentment, purpose, and renewed strength. She encourages women to see change not as the end of their story but as the scenery for this part of life's journey. And she offers practical advice for coping with change in every part of life. Anyone who has struggled to adjust to life's transitions will welcome this warm and personal perspective."
"... Every woman needs this inspiring and insightful message."~Holley Gerth
{through the publisher via Net Galley, which means I don't get to keep it, just read it and review it}
(not my personal preference to review books, but it helps me determine if I want to purchase the book, before I do)
Looking at the cover of the book and reading the title alone, would not have persuaded me that this book was for me, however the contents most certainly do and the many highlights and notes. I do like the cover of all the seasons; it's the title with the word "girl" that might not have appealed to me because I don't think of myself as a "girl" still. But when Kristen explained, in her country "girl" charm, I was more apt to accept the term instead of woman. I guess I thought it was meant more for the younger generations. I could not have been more wrong. Just as on her blog, "Chasing Blue Skies", Kristen writes encouragement to anyone needing it, from the spiritually mature or the newbie still trying to figure things out (as we all are) with "... Truths to Carry You Through Life's Transitions" (the rest of the title of this book).
Kristen is authentic as they come and helpful in a way that each of us can relate to and connect. She takes the time in each chapter to teach us through Biblical characters and real life women that have faced "changes" and how each one copes or handles the change. She illustrates through personal experiences and shows us how to be honest and deal with the loss, the why, the unexpected, the difficult, etc. without being pretentious at all. Kristen is real.
I appreciate the sweet way in which she retold Biblical stories that I'm familiar with in such a way to understand her insight and point; a"faith embrace" from Abraham, to Esther, to Joseph, to Ruth and Naomi ... and others (and if you aren't familiar with them, she does such an excellent job of telling their story and giving the Scripture references so you will know them and get it) also the real life women from today that she shares plus herself and her daughter "Faith", because Kristen gets "change" and all the ways that it impacts us. You will feel like you're sitting down and talking with a real friend. My favorite part, besides closing each chapter with a beautiful prayer, was actually the section "How to Be a Friend to the One Going through Change" in the chapter "Because We All Need Friends in Low Places" in the 3rd Part of this book.
Kristen's "Girl Meets Change" is divided into 3 definitive parts or as I see them, as steps:
Part One - Acknowledge: The Change and the Loss
Part Two - Accept: God is Believable
Part Three - Adapt:A Heart that Thrives
... with 3 or 4 chapters in each part. Kristen includes an Appendix after her Epilogue on "Bible Truths that Never Change". Her Conclusion "Changed by Change" is true for each one of us that embrace each change, and have a heart change about change. Kristen offers valuable lessons from her own life and others that have faced "changes". My best takeaways from "Girl Meets Change" personally are: Being honest with God, we give ourselves permission to feel the change and the impact, and get through the change rather than get over it (paraphrased) and "we want to use this change as a vehicle to travel our own little mission fields" as faith embracers. "God brings change to one so she may change many" ... "Change always brings God's invitation to believe His familiar promises." How I have found this and so much more of what Kristen reminds us of, to be true in the CHANGES I face.
"We must know how to ask the right questions during change
so we are most aware of God's purposes."
Kristen sums all this up as she concludes with what God says to us:
..."This new change comes with My same promise of blessing. Accept that this change is a grace not a grievance. Let your heart rest at home in Me, thriving in the knowledge that I'm always looking out for your next best thing." (see below)
And then these as her last profound words:
"Change is a helper - believe it.
Change is a gift - receive it.
Change is a restorer - live it."
Kristen has so many gems that I've highlighted or quoted from her book. I've shared many here on my blog in images that she designed and I've tried to capture as many as I can to help you as her book has helped me see change differently and with courage.
This still stands out the most:
"...Change is an absolute provision of God's Grace. Change isn't something to be feared or dreaded. It's just the next step, His next best thing for you."
I confidently would recommend "GIRL MEETS CHANGE ... Truths to Carry You Through Life's Transitions" to any woman dealing with changes in life (from the simple to complex ones) to find encouragement in a wonderful mentor who understands - Kristen Strong and shares from a heart open to change.
Disclosure of material connection:
I received this book free from the publisher through Net galley. 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
[This book review is long overdue and I apologize for my lateness and doing it so long after the 2016 Change Challenge (kinda out of order). Circumstances and life changes got in my way. For this reason, I have placed it back in order with my previous posts closer to when this event finished and before I "fasted comments" because it desires feedback.]
This was my former BOOK PAGE in the tabs at the top of my blog: which was badly in need of a revise, edited, shortened version ... but I need to keep it somehow preserved for now until I can do that. A record of most of the books I've reviewed because you can be sure I have read many more than I've been able to review.{and I am publishing this later than the post date so it does not appear on my blog}. Most of you have read these reviews and so much more ... or even this page at one time or another.
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CURRENT
BOOK REVIEW
(usually the most recent are listed at the very end of this page)
12-26-2015
"WORHIP CHANGES EVERYTHING:
Experiencing God's Presence in Every Moment of Life"
My Book Reviews are generally posted on Amazon as mazmagi
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***
Originally this PAGE was intended for BOOK REVIEWS but it's a bit of everything BOOK related now.
I've got so many books started in my Kindle for PC but since I'm not able to open my laptop and reading at a public cyber limits me... I am reading some REAL hard copy books... one from Book Sneeze and some others.
HERE'S
some of
WHAT I'M READING
(not anymore, I have moved on since I posted these but they are great ones to read so I left them)
Current Reads are at the bottom now this is from when I began
(1) "BE STILL, Let Jesus Calm Your Storm" by Cherie Hill finished
(2) "Finding Hope in Times of Grief" by Preston and Glenda Parrish
(3) "Beginning at The End" still reading along with her current one
and for BOOK SNEEZE review
(see link below at the very end)
You have to WAIT TO FIND OUT I want this one to be a surprise
I FINISHED READING THESE TWO
(4) "God's Love Letters to You" by Dr. Larry Crabb
along with going back to the original book of his,
"66 Love Letters"
plus
(5) "Waiting on God" by Cherie Hill
then below I share "what I've read "
this year 2011 for reviews, I'm just getting started
*If I can remember this each month, or read Lisa's blog in time (that's where I found out about this at Lisa Notes)(Lisa always shares great NOTES...and so much more from her heart and readings, I will actually do a blog post sharing more about my current books. But I will be doing reviews on 2 of the 3 above. Oh, and you are blessed that this is on my pages this time because there's no comments here (but if you'd still like to leave one you can go back HERE...
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(Jan. 2011)
I am awaiting my FIRST book! I registered and was accepted by BOOK SNEEZE! YEAH!!!!!!! I did not think any publisher would send to me here but I wrote them inquiring and I was told that it will just take longer. I can live with that. (and e-books are even better and faster) but there is nothing like holding a book in your hands and turning the pages as you read. But I will adjust so I can continue reading current books while away from home.
I love to read! My area of concentration with my double major of Elementary Education and Spanish was Library Science... so clearly this is part of me...to LOVE books and read!!!
This past year, I learned that even without a KINDLE that I could receive books via the internet. So I installed Kindle for PC. Every chance I could afford, I started to purchase books to read. Although I prefer to hold an actual book in my hands to reading from a computer screen, I am so thankful that I can get books in English. My wish list was getting so long, that I had to do something.
If you'd like more information about reviewing books, just click the link and read all about it.
I did not choose the best book to start out with... because it's a 365 day devotional. Clearly, I'll have to read more than one a day at first to review and then go back and read again. I chose my first book based on the author. It is one author that I know will bless me daily, so I can't wait. I do think that I may have an earlier copy of this book back in MN... so we'll see.
As I review books, I will be using the BOOK TITLE as the blog post and will add them here so you can see the books that I am reading or reviewing.
Resources forBook Review Bloggers
You need to meet specific requirements from the publisher to be accepted as a book review blogger. Please read the guidelines and terms of conditions for each.
Since this is the first book I've received and blessed to review, I was overly enthusiastic to curl up in the comforts of my reading rocker with a great book in my hands, ready to devour all at once, in order to review it in a timely manner rather than read it as it is intended, day by day. I even like the feel of the texture of the cover and the pages.
I began quickly with January 1st, appropriately entitled "A Clean Slate", reading up to the current day, then I began to skip around to significant days each month, in the lives of people I knew and myself such as birthdays. It gave me a very good sampling of the variety and versatility of this devotional and the style of Billy Graham as a writer, since I knew him as a wonderful speaker drawing many to receive Jesus and equipping us to live for Jesus. You can richly see the more than fifty years of his ministry reflected, but also as a father, husband and just a person seeking more in his faithful walk in simple terms that speak to you, right way you are, offering hope in your valley, keeping my eyes lifted "unto the hills" and focused on God.
Although this should be read one devotion a day, allowing time to meditate on the message and the scripture, there seemed to be a familiarity with some of these stories on the special days I read. I wondered if it was because of the personal touch of each of these stories that I could relate to now better having walked through some valleys and seen the view from the hills or mountaintops.
Then it dawned on me that it was familiar because I had read this devotional daily back in the late 80s when it was first published and I was in a deep valley. The impression and familiarity was still with me after 25 years. His words had marked my life then, as I pray they will refresh me anew once again as I commit to reading this daily for this upcoming year as it is intended to be read. How remarkable that his words still reassure me positively with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and living for Him through his daily reflective stories that hit the point home and even linger after many years. Each one covers a different aspect of our Christian walk and spiritual needs.
This book would be a great asset to anyone's daily reading and would make a wonderful gift to someone searching for answers in the "valleys" of their life or a seasoned believer. It offers hope and faith! This inspirational devotional covers a wide range of topics and scriptures. It's definitely a keeper and well worth the investment to read and preserve daily the words of a great evangelist, who even quotes other greats like D. L. Moody, Martin Luther, and even some hymn writers and others unfamiliar to me but never is the topic highly theological yet gives us much to ponder as we reflect.
Since it is a second edition, I would have liked to see the publishers index the scriptures and the many topics, making it easy to read at other times, after the initial reading by topic or spiritual need. That way, it would make a great reference tool to many searching for specific help in any area such as forgiveness or peace, but whatever the direction needed, Billy Graham's "Unto the Hills" will speak to generation after generation the great truths of God.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Disclosure of material connection:
I received this book free from the publisher Thomas P. Nelson through the BookSneeze.combook review blogger's 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
I LOVE SHEILA WALSH, so I can't wait for this one!!! Also I pray that this will restore my HOPE in God's promises from this past year of grieving a suicide of someone dear to me. Holding on to God as MY SHELTER.
"So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us."
In the "Shelter of God's Promises" by Sheila Walsh, she shares a key verse in each chapter of one of God's Promises in the Bible for Provision, Peace, Confidence, Love, Grace, Hope, Strength, and MORE plus Home!
I have known Sheila Walsh, mostly as a singer or speaker with Women of Faith, so I was anxious to sit down and walk with her through this beautiful teaching of God's Shelter in His Promises. Sheila interweaves Biblical truths with her real life experiences of testimony of God meeting her or others in times and places of need of shelter. She is just as inspirational as an author as I find her to be as a singer and speaker, truly she is a woman of faith and lives it.
I received this book from Book Sneeze, just at the time that I needed God's Shelter and through each chapter, God revealed through Sheila's words and His, encouragement and inspiration to seek whatever God promises. Whatever you may be searching for, I highly recommend Shelia's book to build your faith, bring you comfort, and show you how to find "Shelter" in God's Promises.
The highlight for me, is that you can use this individually or with a small group because of the addition of a wonderful study guide in the back of the book, that challenges you through each chapter with 4 categories to Discover, Believe, Live and Memorize. Either way, you can enjoy this book to strengthen and motivate you to live believing that God cannot lie and His promises are REAL!
Disclosure of material connection:
I received this book free from the publisher Thomas P. Nelson through the BookSneeze.combook review blogger's 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
I received "God's Love Letters To You: A 40-Day Devotional Experience" by Dr. Larry Crabb in E-Book format just in time to enjoy this summer, a refreshing look at God's Love for us, written and expressed in God's Word, the Bible and Dr. Crabb's heart through a unique conversation between him and God. I loved reading the "66 Love Letters" and could not wait to receive this by mail to read, TO FINISH READING THIS FULL BOOK REVIEW go HERE or Amazon
Max Lucado reminds us that it's not about us, it's ALL about God. The world does not revolve around us nor are we the center of the universe. Misconceptions that we are taught by society throughout our lives. But the rest of the title "Rescue From The Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy" sets the premise for this non-fiction, once again wonderfully written book by Max Lucado. He has such a way with words and story telling with humor and wisdom combined...
TO READ more of this REVIEW you can GO HERE...or Amazon
Confessions of a Sometimes Spiritually Clumsy Woman
written by Lisa Harper
... seems to have had me "stumbling" through the pages for far too long of a time, relating to the stories of Lisa's life in a diary like devotional, humorously written or profoundly inspiring as she connects her life situations to Jesus encounters in the New Testament in 3 parts: Real Life, Real Gifts and Real Growth. (to finish reading this review you need to go here)
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7th Book Review Received this one in the mail today 1/21/12, that always delights me making my heart and soul SING... so
Can you guess my book?
(3rd volume, newly released and since I never read the first 2) it's truly a keeper and treasure for me!
No more guessing, here it is
FINALLY 8/1/12 MY REVIEW of this book... (I wrote it earlier but saved it to post on this date so I'd remember)
Then Sings My Soul Book 3 :
The Story of Our Songs: Drawing Strength from the Great Hymns of Our Faithby Robert J. Morgan
I took my time with this one and so enjoyed using it like a daily devotional. My REVIEW explains this more.
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8th Book Review:
Well, today is 9-11 and the postal carrier met me on the road yesterday with a book from BookSneeze sent to me from folks back in MN sent at the end of August (since Booksneeze can no longer send Int'l)... perfect devotional read of 90 days,
"GRIEVING GOD'S WAY"
by Margaret Brownley
and
with today being 9-11
also
9-13
the day my dad went home
It's a timely
God sent delight
Setting aside all the rest to focus on this one.
(Hope it does not take me 90 days or maybe I need to do exactly that so this is where my healing begins, once again)
This time of the year until December
brings many memories of loved ones
no longer here.
So I'm trusting
God's perfect timing on reading this!
Finished and the REVIEW is HERE! and here and at BookSneeze!
Currently reading one from one of my favorite authors to review: 11th Book Review
"The Great House of God: A Home for Your Heart" by Max Lucado and another wonderful *gift of one from Sheila Walsh ... (I should do a review of this one also) (we'll see) My review of "The Great House of God..." will be posted May 1st My Amazon review already went "live" and says this is my 13th Book Review (so now I have to figure out which 2, I missed listing on here) but by my record here it's Book Review #11. 12th BOOK REVIEW
My 1st Book review and now my 12th by Billy Graham ...
*************************************** I discovered recently that I have missed listing some of my last few Book Reviews here ... Sorry, looks like I am not too good about UPDATING the books I currently REVIEW ... I just finished reading another one by one of my favorite authors already on this page. I gave a preview to his book previously when it was released and I published my REVIEW
10/14/2013 13th BOOK REVIEW (at least on this list) minus ones I've missed. One of the ones I missed listing was a really great book too!
HERE
and here* {I had two in one day sandwiched in between my series} * still need to link this when it publishes and then I'll also add the book cover
"Messy Beautiful Love: Hope and Redemption for Real-Life Marriages" by Darlene Schacht "Time-Warp Wife" *******************
*************************************** ... So now ...
I'm pondering
What should I READ TO REVIEW NEXT?
reading isn't my problem, reviewing them or choosing ebooks from publishers is
*************************************** There are many books that I've already started in 2012 in my Kindle for PC from Amazon, more in 2013, but it's so great to hold books in my hands (since the event of no computer access-lol, it's a bit more difficult to spend time reading).
Thanks to
Book Sneeze!
(now Book Look Bloggers) Thomas P. Nelson, WestBow, Zondervan and even a few more now like TYNDALE BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS and even a few authors gave me this opportunity to read and review their works
(plusKaren, who has frequently *gifted and sent me real books - an expensive venture but some she sent to MN not MX, nonetheless, she spoils me because she knows I thrive on reading good Christian books and miss English ones while here.)