Review of He Chose the Nails

Like all of Max Lucado's books I have read so far, this one drew me in immediately with the writing style and kept my attention throughout. Lucado is truly gifted at sharing God's word, and this book certainly tugged at my heartstrings. Lucado has a way of effortlessly changing between bringing tears and laughter. This book did an excellent job of detailing exactly what Christ has done for all of us. Beautiful. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze 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

Review of When God Whispers Your Name

Max Lucado’s writings are like a breath of fresh air. His method of storytelling and of sharing God’s word is truly a gift -- one that he does an excellent job of using. I had read a few books of Lucado’s before this one, so I had high hopes for this book. Thankfully, it did not disappoint. Few authors can capture my attention the way Lucado does; he is truly an inspiration and a joy to read, and I always find a great deal of profound wisdom from his books. It is always good to be reminded of God’s love and purpose for mankind, and “When God Whispers Your Name” does just that. I wholeheartedly recommend Max Lucado’s books, particularly this one, to others. You won’t be disappointed!

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Scary & Exciting

I've been using SparkPeople.com for tracking my calories, goals, etc. for my weight loss for a couple of weeks now. Tonight, I was playing around with the "goal weight" buttons where you input your goal weight and how many pounds a week you're trying to lose, and it calculates the date that you're expected to reach your goal weight...

And something shocking happened.

July 29, 2012. That's when I should be at my goal weight.

Sure, it's not guaranteed; it's not 100% certain that I'll lose weight at this rate the entire time. It could take longer... But at first, I thought I must have input something wrong or that I read the date wrong. Surely I can't possibly reach my goal weight this year, especially so soon! July is only 5 months away! No way I can reach my goal weight by then! Surely you mean 2013??

But no... July 29, 2012.

And you know what? That's just the motivation I needed. I can do this. It's hard now, and it's SUCH a slow process, but I can do this.

My Journey Starts Here

It's been a long journey on this road, but I need a change...

I'm beginning my weight-loss journey. Actually that journey started during the summer, but now I'm REALLY working for it.

It won't be easy. It's going to hurt sometimes. I'm going to feel like I can't go on... But I will. I must. This is for me and no one else.

I've been going to the gym three days a week and upped it to four days a week this week, and I've been getting back to counting calories and working hard to eat better. This isn't a diet; it's a lifestyle change.

I have a long way to go, but I'm willing to put in the work. I've lost about 4-5ish pounds in the four weeks that I've been going to the gym so far. It seems better to look at it there in words than to feel the numbers ever-so-slowly ticking down each week on the scale. I have to remember to look at this in the grand scheme of things instead of wishing that it could be faster, easier, etc...

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step," yes? Well, this is going to be one heck of a long, hard journey.

But I'm ready.

Review of Right From the Heart

This is truly a gorgeous book. I've recently been “on the market,” so to speak, for a daily devotional that that could help me get my mind and heart set on God and His purpose for my life, and this was precisely what I was looking for. I personally feel as though this is a good starting point for helping me to actively keep on track with my walk with God each day. “Right from the Heart” is definitely a book to be treasured (and it even looks the part of a beloved keepsake, so that's an added plus!). I can't wait to share it with and recommend it to others.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Review of Stumbling into Grace

Lisa Harper shares her personal experiences in her relationship with God in a very frank, and often hilarious, way. Each chapter ends with a relevant sample prayer and questions for personal reflection and/or group discussion.

From the moment I had this book in my hands, I knew I would love it. I have never read any of Lisa Harper's books before this one, though I had heard good things about her Christian ministry before. Now, I can't wait to read more by her. I really felt i related to this book. It made me laugh and cry, and it kept me hooked from the beginning to the very end.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Review of Treasuring Emma

Emma has been brokenhearted by her mother dying and her love, Adam, leaving the Amish way of life. When Adam suddenly returns, however, she expects that he will leave again at any time, so she cannot easily find it in her heart to forgive him. With financial and familial problems building up, the only thing Emma can do is learn to take her grandmother's advice – trust in the Lord.

I haven't read much Amish fiction before, but Kathleen Fuller always captures my attention and holds it from the first page to the very end. This particular novel is an entertaining and satisfying read, and I look forward to reading more of Fuller's novels.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.