Unto the Hills: A Daily Devotional By Billy Graham

Unto the Hills: A Daily Devotional

By Billy Graham 

The classic 365-day devotional from Billy Graham, now back in print.

No matter your place in life, this classic collection of devotional readings is designed to bring you daily to that special place of renewal— to help you pause and gaze "unto the hills" for help and inspiration.

Each of the 365 daily readings in this inspiring collection offers a carefully chosen passage of scripture, a brief, thoughtful message from Dr. Graham, and a heartfelt prayer composed especially for this book. Distilled from a lifetime of study and ministry, these devotionals supply daily food for thought about living fruitfully and joyfully in an often fretful world.

Simple, direct, encouraging yet challenging, this book offers itself as a heartening companion for your daily walk in the valley. This collection is a gentle but constant reminder that we can find help for all our needs as long as we remember to look up . . . unto the hills but especially unto the Lord. 

About the Author:

"My one purpose in life is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which, I believe, comes through knowing Christ." --Billy Graham

Evangelist Billy Graham took Christ literally when He said in Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.”

Mr. Graham has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history—nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories—through various meetings, including Mission World and Global Mission. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts.

My thoughts:
This is a great devotional. Some of the pages have enough room on them to make notes or write out your prayers. It's a paperback so you can flip and hold the pages back. It's a pretty good size, but it is for a year. I enjoyed the daily format and the words of inspiration. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a general devotional.




You can purchase this book at Amazon or anywhere else that sells Christian books.

Thank you Thomas Nelson for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book to review.

Outlive Your Life You Were Made to Make a Difference by Max Lucado

Outlive Your Life You Were Made to Make a Difference

By Max Lucado 

These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.

Authors:

Max Lucado is a minister who writes and a writer who preaches. He and his wife, Denalyn, serve the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. They have three grown daughters, Jenna, Andrea, and Sara; one son-in-law, Brett; and one sweet but lazy golden retriever, Molly.

Visit the official Max Lucado web site

My thoughts:

I always enjoy reading books written by Max Lucado. He has an easy to read and understand writing style. In this book, he writes about how we were each made to make a difference locally and globally. It helped open my eyes to different options I had not considered.  and the steps we can take. The profits are donated to WorldVision.

You can purchase this book (and the one for teens) at Amazon or from Max Lucado's site.

Thank you Thomas Nelson for providing me with a complimentary copy of Outlive Your Life to review.

You Were Made to Make a Difference ~ Max Lucado and Jenna Lucado Bishop

You Were Made to Make a Difference

By Max Lucado and Jenna Lucado Bishop

Want to change the world? Did you know You Were Made to Make a Difference?

This adaptation of Outlive Your Life for teens offers practical tips youth can take out into their community to make a difference, plus real-life stories about those who have done just that. Teens learn that God can use them to make a difference right now. He wants to use them today, without waiting for them to be older, stronger, richer, or even more “together.” God can use their minds, their spirits, and their hands and feet to make permanent change for His kingdom.

Also included are valuable resources, interesting facts about the needy in the world and how little it takes to make a big difference, and other interactive elements such as journaling opportunities for writing personal ideas and service goals.

Teens will learn that their role in life is bigger than themselves, and that they’re not too young to make a difference for God.

Authors:

Max Lucado is a minister who writes and a writer who preaches. He and his wife, Denalyn, serve the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. They have three grown daughters, Jenna, Andrea, and Sara; one son-in-law, Brett; and one sweet but lazy golden retriever, Molly.

Visit the official Max Lucado web site

If Jenna Lucado is sure of anything, she is sure of this, “I have a deep calling on my life to give hope to teenage girls.” What started out as a heart to encourage teen girls has now blossomed into a ministry. Daughter of best-selling Christian author Max Lucado, Jenna has realized that she has inherited a passion for writing and speaking just like her dad. She is currently a part of the Revolve Tour, an event for teen girls that includes a line-up of Christian artists like Natalie Grant, as well as speaker and author, Chad Eastham and many more. In September 2009 the release of her debut book, Redefining Beautiful, will hit bookstore shelves. Jenna has also narrated part of Thomas Nelson’s Word of Promise: Next Generation. Through all the piling projects, Jenna is driven by the thought of one more girl hearing about the love of Jesus.

MY THOUGHTS:
I enjoyed this book. I thought it was a well written resource for teens. It was set out so they can work through the various topics at their own speed and either on their own or with a group. There was plenty of space to write down thoughts or questions. If you're looking for a book for a teen to help him/her grow in relationship with Christ and know his/her place in Him, then you've found the right book!

To purchase the book, you can go to Amazon.

Thank you Thomas Nelson for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book to review.

The Sweet By and By by Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck

The Sweet By and By

By Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck

A redemptive story from multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans.


Jade Fitzgerald left the pain of her past in the dust when she headed out for college a decade ago. Now she's thriving in her career and glowing in the light of Max Benson's love.

But then Jade's hippie mother, Beryl Hill, arrives in Whisper Hollow, Tennessee, for Jade's wedding along with Willow, her wild younger sister. Their arrival forces Jade to throw open the dark closets of her past--the insecurity of living with a restless, wandering mother, the silence of her absent father, and the heart-ripping pain of first-love's rejection.

Turns out Beryl has a secret of her own. She needs reconciliation with her oldest daughter before illness takes her life. In the final days leading to the wedding, Jade meets the One who shows her that the past has no hold on her future. With a little grace, they'll meet in the middle, maybe even before that sweet by and by.

My review
I have really enjoyed this book.  When I saw it was co-authored by Rachel Hauk, I knew I would enjoy it.  The book is easy to read and hard to put down.  It drives home the point that you just cannot outrun your past, no matter have hard you try.  Your past is part of who you are.  This book also shows how you can be forgiven for your past mistakes and how relationships can be mended.  I understand there are more books to come in this series and I look forward to reading them.
 
You can purchase the book directly from Thomas Nelson or from Amazon.com.  Doesn't matter where you purchase it from - just purchase it!
 
Thank you member Thomas Nelson for allowing me to be a Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger and for providing me a free copy of this book to review.  If you're interested in blogging for books, go to Thomas Nelson and sign up.  

Find Your Strongest Life - Book Review

In Find Your Strongest Life, Marcus Buckingham reveals the powerful key to bring fulfillment, peace, and control into a woman's life.

In today's world, can a woman truly "have it all"? A fulfilling career full of passion and performance? A belief that she is truly becoming the best, authentic version of herself? A happy, healthy life outside of work?

Countless women would roll their eyes at the possibility. Work is overwhelming. And for many of them, add the necessities of family and home. It all feels disconnected, out of control, and relentless.

In Find Your Strongest Life, Marcus Buckingham reveals the powerful key to help women draw enough strength from life to feel fulfilled, loved, successful, and in control. Even more, he helps women reconnect with their purpose and gives a starting point for change. A research-based message that applies to work and life, Find Your Strongest Life shows women a "unified theory" for how they really can have it all . . . the right kind of all.

My review:
This was a well written book with very relevant content.  It has a link to go along with the book so you can take the quiz to find out how you can find your strongest life.  One thing I liked is it's not a "get fixed now" book.  His data is based on months (or longer) of following up with the women who participated in his survey.

You can purchase the book at Amazon or directly from Thomas Nelson.

As a book reviewer, I receive a complimentary copy of the book.  If you think you'd be interested in reviewing books for Thomas Nelson, please click on the button on the side bar.

Let Go - Book Review

Let Go
Live Free of the Burdens All Women Know
By Sheila Walsh

Burdened. The word alone makes shoulders sink. It slows down our lives. It clouds our vision. It is the result of so many memories, grudges, fears, uncertainty, and stress. It is heavy.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matt 11:28)

Overworked? Overcommitted? Overtired? Underappreciated?

Let go and live free.

Sound impossible? Sheila Walsh thought so – until God proved himself again and again through his Word, his people, and her life.

In Let Go, the bestselling author and speaker walks readers through the journey to freedom in Christ. Along the way, she tackles some of the toughest struggles that weigh women down, answering them with overwhelming truth, promise, and hope.

You can lay down your burdens. You can rest. You can find peace. You can live free.

Start here. Let Go. And see what God can do.

My Review:

This was the first book by Sheila Walsh that I have read and I really enjoyed it.  She has a very easy to read writing style yet each sentence was packed full of relevant information.  I started reading the book and I had a really hard time putting it down because I enjoyed it so much.  If you're looking for a book to help you learn how to Let Go then this is the book for you.  Let Go and Let God! 

You can purchase this book at Amazon or Thomas Nelson.

I review books for Thomas Nelson. In consideration of an honest review of a book, I receive the book from the publisher.  If you think you'd like to review books for Thomas Nelson, please click on the button on the right.

A Triple Threat Novel: Face of Betrayal (Review)

A Triple Threat Novel: Face of Betrayal
By Lis Wiehl and April Henry
Fox News legal correspondent and former Federal Prosecutor Lis Wiehl has created a suspense novel that's as timely as tomorrow's headlines.

While home on Christmas break, a seventeen-year-old Senate page takes her dog out for a walk and never returns. Reporter Cassidy Shaw is the first to break the story. The resulting media firestorm quickly ensnares Federal Prosecutor Allison Pierce and FBI Special Agent Nicole Hedges. The three unique women are life-long friends who call themselves The Triple Threat--a nickname derived from their favorite dessert and their uncanny ability to crack cases via their three positions of power.

Though authorities think Katie might have been kidnapped or run away, those theories shatter when Nicole uncovers Katie's blog. They reveal a girl troubled by a mysterious relationship with an older man. Possibly a U.S. Senator.

As the three women race against time to find Katie alive, their increasing emotional involvement brings out their own inner demons and external enemies. There are many faces of betrayal, but they must find one face in a crowd of growing suspects before they become the next victims.
In Face of Betrayal, Lis Wiehl's expertise in law, politics, and criminal investigation merges with April Henry's narrative genius to create a gripping mystery filled with rich characters, real danger, and a shocking yet satisfying final twist.

My review:
Recently, my reading time has been consumed with other things, so I was glad this book was fast-paced and engaging, and well worth my time. I liked the information on the subplots about the work performed by grand juries, the day-to-day pressures of TV journalism, autopsies, domestic abuse – even about myspace. I could relate to the Triple Threat friendship (and how much do you love they are named after their favorite desert?) she had – three independent women interwoven by strong intimate bonds.

As other reviewers have stated, the plot brought to mind the Chandra Levy murder case. I became totally enthralled by Wiehl's tale of trying to figure out "whodunit" and why. As each new turn came, I had to change my mind as to the perpetrator. The book kept my attention until the very end.

I enjoyed Lis Wiehl and April Henry first book. I’m looking forward to their next book Hand of Fate. Will I find out about the threads that were deliciously (and deliberately?) left untied in the first novel??

Face of Betrayal Recipe Contest - Submit your recipe for Triple Threat Chocolate Cake http://www.liswiehlbooks.com/contest/

The Noticer - Book Review

The Noticer

Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective.

Jacketed Hardcover

By Andy Andrews

A new story of common wisdom from the bestselling author of The Traveler's Gift

Orange Beach, Alabama is a simple town filled with simple people. But like all humans on the planet, the good folks of Orange Beach have their share of problems - marriages teetering on the brink of divorce, young adults giving up on life, business people on the verge of bankruptcy, as well as the many other obstacles that life seems to dish out to the masses.

Fortunately, when things look the darkest - a mysterious man named Jones has a miraculous way of showing up. An elderly man with white hair, of indiscriminate age and race, wearing blue jeans, a white T-shirt and leather flip flops carrying a battered old suitcase, Jones is a unique soul. Communicating what he calls "a little perspective," Jones explains that he has been given a gift of noticing things that others miss. "Your time on this earth is a gift to be used wisely," he says. "Don't squander your words or your thoughts. Consider even the simplest action you take, for your lives matter beyond
measure…and they matter forever."

Jones speaks to that part in everyone that is yearning to understand why things happen and what we can do about it.

Like The Traveler's Gift, The Noticer is a unique narrative is a blend of fiction, allegory, and inspiration. Gifted storyteller Andy Andrews helps us see how becoming a "noticer" just might change a person's life forever.

My review:

This was my first time to read anything by Andy Andrews. I was tickled to see he is from Orange Beach. I like seeing local Alabama folk in print! Plus, I've spent a good bit of time at Orange Beach and it allowed me to visualize the scenes.

I think the publisher gives enough information about this book without my adding to it. It's another gem of a book filled with useful information about how to live life. All you need is a little perspective and Mr. Andrews shows, through a story, how to get that little bit of perspective.

The book is also launching a website, The Noticer Project. It's a worldwide movement to "notice" the five most influential people in your life. The site says:

The important thing is that by noticing those who have made a difference for you, you not only acknowledge their contribution, but you may gain a new perspective on your own life.

Who will you notice? What area of your life do you need perspective? Maybe you're a parent and you want to make sure your child(ren) have perspective. This is a good book to read and pass along or buy for other people. It's a book you can either devour and take your time to read so you don't miss the treasures of wisdom hidden. I started out devouring the book and then I slowed down because I wanted to savor the words I was reading.

Check out the book and check out the website. You'll be glad you did.

His Name is Jesus - Book Review

His Name is Jesus
The Promise of God's Love Fulfilled
By Max Lucado

Book Description

Max Lucado's first book that journeys from the birth of Christ to His resurrection.

Drawing from his classic writing on Jesus combined with new reflections and breathtaking art, Max Lucado again opens our eyes—and hearts—to the life and work of the Savior in a way that will change lives forever. “Jesus was, at once, common and not; alternately normal and heroic. One minute blending in with the domino players in the park, the next commanding the hell out of madmen, disease out of the dying, and death out of the dead.” Who was this man who spoke as easily with kids and fishermen as widows and waves? It is the question that has echoed down through the centuries to us today, and here is a visually stunning book that answers aspects of that question.

My review:

I'm not sure what more I can add to the description from the publisher. This is a beautifully crafted and designed book. I enjoyed reading bits and pieces of Max Lucado's books as they relate to the life of Jesus. The pictures were well crafted and related well to the written word. This would be a great book to give as a gift to someone who has everything; someone who loves books; someone who loves Jesus; someone who needs to know Jesus; in other words - anyone.

This is a wonderful addition to any Christian library. People of all ages will enjoy it. I recommend it for anyone.

Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament - Book Review

Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament MP3 Set
International Children's Bible - Audio Version

Book Description
Now the entire New Testament is ready for the Wired Generation.

Today’s youth ingest media at a faster rate than any previous generation. And they can’t get enough! The Word of Promise: Next Generation - New Testament is the perfect way for young multi-taskers to absorb Scripture. This ambitious recording makes the Word accessible to more kids than ever before.

Starring a Hollywood-level cast of young talent including Cody Linley (Hanna Montana, Dancing with the Stars) as Jesus, AnnaSophia Robb (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) as Mary Magdalene, Jordin Sparks (American Idol Winner) as Elizabeth, Cobin Bleu (High School Musical) as Peter, Alyson Stoner (Cheaper by the Dozen) as Martha, and narrated by Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings). The project includes informative book introductions by author Max Lucado and his daughter, Jenna Lucado, who is a speaker on the Revolve® Tour.

The Word of Promise: Next Generation is much more than just a word-for-word reading: it’s an all-star cast performing audio drama with a rich original score and Hollywood special effects. When Jesus walks on the water, kids will feel like they’re in the boat. When Peter waits in the courtyard during the Lord’s trial, the fire will crackle. The ambient sounds of the Holy land, the breath-taking musical score, the world-class young actors and the timeless Word of Promise all combine to deliver an unparalleled achievement.

Set includes 24 hours of audio drama on 3 mp3 CDs and a bonus 75 minute Behind-the-Scenes DVD featuring interviews with the actors.

My Review:

I think this will be great for children and tweens to listen to but I’m not sure my teenagers would be interested in listening to it. The disks are in MP3 format, so we cannot listen to them on the car’s CD player (some car CD players are MP3 compatible and the disks could work on those players). All of the books are introduced by either Max Lucado, or his daughter, Jenna Lucado. I enjoyed the introductions and was glad they were there. I have the original Word of Promise New Testament audio bible and I’ll stick to it. But, this presentation wasn’t geared for people my age; it was geared towards youth and children.

The Bible used was the International Children's Bible and I had never heard of it. For the audience for whom this set is geared, I believe it was an appropriate version. The words are simple but clear. The dramatization was good, and children will recognize the voices of some of their favorite characters. It is a nicely done presentation of the New Testament. There is also a DVD with info about the production and the actors. I enjoyed watching DVD and hearing stories of faith from the actors.

I would recommend this audio bible to anyone who would like for their children (youth) to listen to the bible. I do think it would be presented best in a either a car setting or playing it instead of music in the house.

Rachel's Tears: Book Review

Rachel's Tears: 10th Anniversary Edition

The Spiritual Journey of Columbine Martyr Rachel Scott

Trade Paper

By Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott

"I am not going to apologize for speaking the name of Jesus . . . If I have to sacrifice everything . . . I will." -Rachel Scott

The Columbine tragedy in April 1999 pierced the heart of our country. We later learned that the teenage killers specifically targeted Rachel Scott and mocked her Christian faith on their chilling, homemade videotapes. Rachel Scott died for her faith. Now her parents talk about Rachel's life and how they have found meaning in their daughter's martyrdom in the aftermath of the school shooting. Rachel's Tears comes from a heartfelt need to celebrate this young girl's life, to work through the grief and the questions of a nation, and to comfort those who have been touched by violence in our schools today. Using excerpts and drawings from Rachel's own journals, her parents offer a spiritual perspective on the Columbine tragedy and provide a vision of hope for preventing youth violence across the nation.

>My review:

What a sweet and lovely tribute to a daughter who died too soon and certainly in a senseless way. I was a little leery to read this book, as I’m the mother of two teenage daughters. I wasn’t sure what type of information or details would be included and I was pleasantly surprised by what it contained. What I found was a book written by two parents trying to make sure people didn’t forget about the people involved in the Columbine tragedy, and most importantly, show that there is HOPE and PEACE in Christ! They share stories about their daughter and share stories from her journal. Rachel’s faith in Christ was amazingly intimate and not one you’d expect for such someone her age.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for teens and adults. I would hope that if I was presented with such a tragedy, I would present myself the way this family has.

“I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for—believe that you have received them, and you will have them." Mark 11:23-24 (HCSB)

The Great Eight, Scott Hamilton

The Great Eight
How to Be Happy (Even When You Have Every Reason to be Miserable)
Jacketed Hardcover
By Scott Hamilton

Olympic Gold Medal figure skater Scott Hamilton shares his eight secrets to finding happiness in the face of a life filled with challenges, difficulties, and career-canceling odds.

With never-been-told, behind-the-scenes stories from the skating world, personal challenges including testicular cancer and a brain tumor, as well as divine miracles, Olympic Gold Medal figure skater Scott Hamilton shares the secrets to his lifelong journey to find the silver (and gold) lining in the clouds of life. His life principles, fashioned into eight secrets that begin with the rote of learning to skate the figure 8, are the keys. Scott says, "Skating taught me how to be happy. I have always kept these eight as my own private, personal secrets that I practiced daily with repetition, focus, and discipline. Now I want to share them with the world."

Endorsements
"For the past twenty-seven years, Scott Hamilton has been a mentor and good friend. I've seen firsthand the struggles he has had to endure and how he has continued to persevere with a confident attitude. Everyone needs the positive message of this greatly inspiring book." -Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic Gold Medalist

"I know and love Scotty Hamilton. You will, too, after you read this book." -William Shatner

"Scott Hamilton is a champion in more ways than one. In addition to being one of the world's greatest ice skaters, he has mastered adversity and a multitude of challenges. The Great Eight is an inspiration to us all." -Donald J. Trump

"Within the metaphors of his skating career, the wisdom in this book is not only very inspiring and easy to grasp but also surrounded by great storytelling." -Brad Paisley, Grammy Award-winning artist

My review:
Well, I'm just tickled that I have a quote from Captain Kirk on my blog! tee hee

I have been a fan of Scott Hamilton for as long as I can remember. He is part of the reason I really enjoy watching figure skating, especially when he's the commentator. He always seems so happy go lucky and upbeat.

I enjoyed reading about his start into ice skating and how he conquered the odds and became a success. There were times I felt like if I was on the ice rink I could skate just like Scott because his illustrations were vivid.

The book is an easy read. To me it was more of an autobiography and not a how to be happy book. I didn't learn anything new about being happy that I didn't already know. I would recommend this book if you like Scott Hamilton and ice skating, but not if you're wanting a self-help book.








“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

For the Tough Times, by Max Lucado

For The Tough Times, Reaching Toward Heaven for Hope by Max Lucado

When we feel that life is out of control, He is in control. When tragedy strikes, people desperately search for answers. Believers and unbelievers alike find themselves turning to God. Best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado points to the only real answer to tragedy and crisis: Prayer. In For the Tough Times, Lucado helps us understand how to pray despite our doubt and fear.

My review:

This is a gem of a book. It's the kind of book that you can either skim through or devour. When you read the book, you are constantly reminded how much God loves you and how He is in control. Max Lucado gives examples of prayers we can say, even when we our circumstances leave us speechless.

For example: "Lord, the one you love is tired, sad, hungry, lonely, fearful, depressed." The words of the prayers may vary but His response never changes. He hears the prayer. He silences heaven so he won't miss a word. (pp. 67-68, emphasis and paraphrasing mine.)

If you or someone you know is going through a tough time, buy this book. They won't feel overwhelmed by the size (79 pages) and the book can be read as circumstances allow. The pages are filled with treasures and words of wisdom.

(P.S. This is my very first book review for Thomas Nelson: book review blogger. Please let me know your honest thoughts of the review. Thank you!)

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17