Nearing Home by Billy Graham

When you hear the name, Billy Graham, it’s hard not to envision the evangelist, in a huge stadium, calling others to give their lives to Jesus, but in his newest book, Nearing Home, I caught a glimpse of the personal side of him. At the writing of this book, he was about to turn 93 years old and in each page, I could sense the wisdom of the aged and a gentle spirit of a godly man.

Nearing Home is an honest look at aging. Dr. Graham shares the difficulties that are a part of growing older like the loss of strength and the inability to do what you used to be able to do, illness, death of loved ones, ect., but he also encourages his readers to live these remaining years to their fullest. He points out what is truly important in life, and how, even as we get older, we can still influence those around us. He gives practical advice on preparing for this stage in life, including how we should prepare financially, personally, and spiritually, so it won’t take us by surprise.

In the introduction he begins by saying, “Whoever first said it was right: old age is not for sissies”. And as I read his book, I can honestly say, Billy Graham is no sissie! He has lived his life well, and as he nears the time that he will go “home,” God continues to use him to be an encouragement to others through the words of this inspirational book.

I would highly recommend this book to men and women of any age. The older person can identify with much of what he shares, and the younger person can prepare himself for this stage of life by gleening wisdom from this man of faith. Though conversations about aging and death are often avoided, Nearing Home is a book that addresses these issues with courage, grace, and hope.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

Heaven is for Real is the story of  Colton Burpo's "visit to heaven" during an emergency appendectomy when he was about 4 years old. Todd Burpo, his father, who was pastoring a church in Imperial, Nebraska slowly discovered Colton's story through casual conversations that revealed information that a boy his age wouldn't naturally have known. The process took place over a couple of years and as they shared parts of Colton's story with friends, family, and churches, they were encouraged to write a book about it.

I found Colton's story fascinating. We often talk about heaven and believe we will go there after we die if we have trusted in Jesus as our Savior, but if we are honest, not many of us can say with certainty what it will be like. Scripture speaks about heaven, but sometimes even Scripture can seem veiled.  There is no way to know for sure if Colton actually visited heaven, but his account made me hope that his experience was fairly accurate. His description of Jesus and His love for children made me smile.

The Deluxe Edition, which I received to review, also contains a center section with color picutures of Colton and his family. It was nice to be able to put a face to the names mentioned in the book.  Also included in this edition was a series of questions at the end of the book in a section titled, "Reflecting on Heaven," which could stimulate further thoughts about heaven.

Overall, I found this book to be an interesting and fairly quick read.  It definitely makes you think about heaven in a more personal way.  I personally believe heaven is real and only time will tell if Colton's description of heaven is accurate!

I received a complementary copy of this book through the BookSneeze blogger program in exchange for my unbiased review.

We Shall See God – Charles Spurgeon’s classic devotional thoughts on Heaven

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, born in England in 1834, is considered to be one of the greatest preachers of his time and his name continues to be recognized today. We Shall See God is a 50 day devotional book that incorporates Charles Spurgeon’s sermons on heaven with Randy Alcorn’s personal thoughts and commentary. Because Spurgeon’s sermons were typically very long and at times difficult to read because of paragraph structure and language used from that period of time which no longer is  understood with the same meaning today, Alcorn edited the sermons to be more “readable” to a contemporary audience.  These excerpts were not altered in “content,” just made easier to read and understand. Following the portion of Spurgeon’s sermon for the day, referenced by the sermon title and number, date, and where or for what occasion it was originally delivered, Randy Alcorn then gives his commentary and thoughts on the issues addressed by Spurgeon.

This is not a casual devotional with a simple verse and thought for the day.  To me, they were more theologically deep and thoughtful. It is not what I consider an “easy read.”  I found Spurgeon’s portion a little more difficult to read than Alcorn’s commentary, but perhaps that is to be expected since Spurgeon’s were delivered as a sermon while Alcorn’s thoughts written in more of a devotional way.  One thing is certain though, the truths that Spurgeon speaks about continue to be as relevant to today’s world, as they were in his time.

If you love Charles Spurgeon, or desire to read about what the Scripture says about heaven, then you will find this book helpful and beneficial.  We have the hope of heaven after we die, and this book reminds us of that fact as we make our journey through this sometimes difficult life.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers blogger review program in exchange for an honest review.

Thank You, God, For Blessing Me

Thank you, God, For Blessing Me, is a wonderful little book that is part of Max Lucado’s “Hermie the Catepillar” series that will encourage your child to recognize and be thankful for both the big and little things God gives us each day.  In a simple prayer, Hermie expresses his appreciation for all the blessings he has received, for daily provisions, relationships, and His creation. It's also great that Lucado includes the idea that being kind and obeying are special ways to say thank you to God. In a world that teaches entitlement and greed is good, this little book can reinforce the biblical concept that every good and perfect gift comes from our Heavenly Father and for these blessings we should give thanks!

The book, written in rhyme, is easy to follow and the illustrations capture the essence of the story perfectly.  You see Hermie praying and the things he prays for are things that the child can relate to.  It is colorful and the perfect size to take along with you when traveling.  Since it is a board book, it is sturdy enough for a young child to “read” on his own.  I would definitely recommend this book for the preschool child.  Perhaps it can even lead into a conversation between parent and child about specific things he or she is thankful for.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own..

Night Night Blessings by Amy Parker

In today's world, one thing that is lacking is gratitude. We take for granted all that God has provided for us. Night Night Blessings, by Amy Parker, helps a child to recognize God's blessings in the big and little things that are a part of  his every day experiences.  From the time the child in the book opens her eyes in the morning, until she closes them again at night, she expresses thanks to God for everything from syrupy pancakes to twinkly stars at night along with everything in between like friends, pets, toys, family, bubble baths, and bedtime routines. All these blessings let the child know, as the last page states, that God is watching from above. I think it is a sweet book that can encourage a child to recognize God's blessings throughout his or her day. This book, at the end of the day, could provide an opportunity for parents to ask their child what things they are thankful for.

The book itself is a slightly padded board book that is colorful yet subdued. The illustrations, by Marijan Ramljak, have a "soft" almost water colored appearance. The book seems sturdy which would allow a child to "read" this book on his own without fear of tearing pages. The story is written in rhyme which children seem to enjoy.

I look forward to reading it to my own grandchildren the next time they are over. Because it is a board book, I would recommend it for preschoolers. As a bedtime book, it certainly could lead into a bedtime prayer to thank God for the many blessings in that day and maybe begin a new habit of recognizing God's blessings and thanking Him for them all through the day.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Stumbling into Grace by Lisa Harper

Spritual truths can often be found in every day situations if your eyes and ears are open to the Lord. Lisa Harper does a wonderful job portraying truths of God's Word through humorous stories and life events that she has found herself stumbling through.  Stumbling into Grace: Confessions of a Sometimes Spiritually Clumsy Women, is composed of personal stories, a passage of Scripture, and thoughts that tie them together. The chapter concludes with Personal Reflection and/or Group Discussion Questions along with a final opportunity to dialog back with God in a "journal entry" applying the truth of that chapter.

Lisa shares stories divided into the categories of "Real Life," "Real Gifts," and "Real Growth."  As Chrisian women, we deal with things like fear, things that bind us, things that hurt us, people who need forgiveness, loneliness, disappointment, and the list can go on.  While some women appear to have it all together, I, like Lisa Harper, am often spiritually clumsy.  Whether we get it the first time, or if God has to pick us off the floor again, we can learn to walk with grace even if we have to stumbling into it occasionally!

If you are looking for an easy read that can also make you think, this book may be for you. Though she sometimes "contemporizes" the Scripture part of the story, the truth remains the same.  Read this book and then allow the Lord to teach you through your every day life experiences!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review blogger 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock

Promises to Keep, by Ann Tatlock, is an engaging story written from the perspective of an eleven year old girl named Roz Anthony whose family had recently been uprooted by her mother’s decision to leave Roz’s abusive father. Shortly after their arrival in the small town of Mills River, a stranger, Tillie Monroe, the former owner of the house they had recently purchased, shows up on their front porch determined to live there again – to die in the home that was so much a part of her. This woman, who first was viewed as a nuisance, turned out to be a blessing in disguise as she truly became a part of the family and one who brought love and perspective to their troubled world.

Roz struggled with her desire to have a father that she could trust and love. She wondered if it would ever be possible for her daddy to change so they could be a family again. As a woman of faith, Tillie became a stabilizing force for the family and in her own way, tried to introduce her “Heavenly Father” into Roz’s world. Set in the 1960’s, Promises to Keep alluded to the struggles of that time -- racial issues and the Vietnam War and how they impacted this family.

Though the book had Christian overtones, and the concept of faith and God were seen in Tillie’s life, the book was not “preachy.” The only downside was that the idea of salvation was implied, but not clearly articulated. Ann Tatlock’s writing style was easy and conversational. I liked that the chapters were short and the story was easy to pick up on again, even if it was a couple days between readings. I found the characters to be believable and likeable, especially Tillie. Though the ending was a bit abrupt, it did conclude with a summary of how things turned out in the end. The final few pages of the book contained some discussion questions for either personal or small group use.

Overall I found the book to be an enjoyable summer read and would recommend this book to others.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.