20,0000 Days and Counting: by Robert D. Smith

 20,000 Days and Counting by Robert D. Smith is a quick read with some thought provoking ideas. How do we measure our time here on earth and determine our worth?  As I sit here today, I've been alive exactly 18,036 days.  Maybe that means I’m ahead of the curve.  By God’s Grace I still have time to live each day to its fullest; to live abundantly. Perhaps this book can point me in that direction.

At the beginning of each chapter, there are quotes from people who have lived throughout the ages. I especially enjoyed one from a person who lived exactly 20,830 days: “Take care of the things you need to take care of today.” This is practical advice from Horace, a Roman poet who lived from December 8, 65 BC to November 27, 8 BC.; words that can be put to use many, many years later.

I think you’ll enjoy the way this book challenges you to eat dessert first, say yes, and ask yourself these two important questions … “What is important right now to you?” and “What is next for you?” Don't forget to go the website theRobertD.com to find out how many days you've been alive.  It may spark you on to even greater things.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

More Than a Bucket List by Toni Birdsong

Is a “bucket list” just a “to do” list before you die?  It doesn't have to be JUST that.  More Than a Bucket List by Toni Birdsong speaks to what it’s like to live an abundant life; a life filled with adventure, humor, spontaneity, and personal growth. This book is filled with creative ways to challenge you to live a more faithful and fulfilling life.    

I like the way the book is physically designed.  Its smaller square shape feels good in my hands.  It’s small enough to travel with you but it could also be a conversation starter on your coffee table.

The range of ideas for your bucket list include: be ok with a nothing day, visit the locations of some of your favorite movies, make amends, live complaint-free for 30 days, and make a pie from scratch. My current favorite is “kiss your sweetheart under a waterfall in Hawaii” … why not? If you are stuck in a runt, feeling unfulfilled or predictable, take a chance and think outside the box by filling up your bucket.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: The Southern Foodie by Chris Chamberlain

I love Southern cooking.  It means comfort food to me.  The Southern Foodie by Chris Chamberlain combines two of my favorite things … home cooking and exploring new restaurants that serve delicious food.  The recipes in this book come from 13 different states and draw from some of the best food establishments in the South. 

This recipe book is unique.  It has recipes of course, but it also has interesting facts about each restaurant including comments on the atmosphere, specialties, and insider tips.  It can be used as a food travel guide.  The bonus is that you also get to cook these tried and true recipes in your own kitchen.

This is more than just a cookbook.  I love to travel, so I can see myself seeking out some of these restaurants to have a firsthand experience; ordering the food I recreated in my own kitchen. Now stop reading my review, get the book and start cooking … or if you prefer, it’s time for a foodie road trip! 

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Song of the Brokenhearted

Song of the Brokenhearted by Sheila Walsh and Cindy Martinusen Coloma is an entertaining read, but a bit predictable and uninspiring.  As the reader, it didn’t bring out the emotion in me that I had hoped for.  I felt a bit unmoved and unchallenged.

The storyline addresses the question of how do we trust God when unpredictable things happen in our seemingly perfect life.  Ava and her family encounter money troubles, a called off wedding, and a disappointing choice by a high school age son.  The problem with the book is that I feel the ups and downs that Ava and her family encounter are kind of watered down.  The reaction of the parents when their son fails a drug test did not seem authentic to me.   

My family has personally faced some dramatic challenges.  As a woman of faith, I have had moments of questioning God, asking for strength during times of brokenness; desperately looking for God to lean on Him during the turmoil.  This novel did not tap into those feelings and God’s promise of “I will not leave you or forsake you”.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: The Choice by Robert Whitlow

The Choice by Robert Whitlow is a novel that I didn’t want to put down.  The storyline took some interesting turns and kept me turning the pages.  The book included some controversial topics such as teen pregnancy, adoption, and abortion without being “judgmental” or preachy.  It was refreshing to hear a solid argument for adoption as a choice.   

The reader will enjoy getting to know the personalities of the characters within the pages of this book.  The sign of a good book is when it brings out emotions in the reader; empathy, joy, sadness, etc.  and I found this to be true for me.  I definitely recommend this book.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Mondays with My Old Pastor by Jose Luis Navajo

I enjoyed reading Mondays with My Old Pastor by José Luis Navajo.  I found the book to be inspiring.  The book reveals intimate moments between the writer and his aging/dying pastor during his weekly visits.  The baton is being passed from one “man of God” to another.  I believe we need to place a more deliberate focus on the wisdom of our elders.  This book beautifully portrays that concept and the great commission found in Matthew 28 ... to go and make Disciples of all nations.

The reader will enjoy the many stories told by the old pastor.  These stories feel much like the parables found in the New Testament that Jesus told.  One specific lessons deals with writing the names of those who have offended you down so you can pray specifically for “your enemies”.  This type of forgiveness can change the world.

I work in a large Methodist church.  I found that many of the stories told and lessons learned apply to all who desire to serve God.  This book is not just useful to inspire local pastors who might be discouraged.  It is also a challenge to all of us to be Disciples of God.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Heaven in Her Arms by Catherine Hickman

Heaven in Her Arms by Catherine Hickem was a wonderful, thought provoking, and even sometimes emotional book for me to read. This book explores the question I have often pondered … Why was Mary chosen to be the mother of Jesus?  We read about the extraordinary qualities that Mary had.  Qualities that equipped her to be the mother that Jesus needed her to be.  Mary mothered a young child, a teenager, and a grown man.  When we study the qualities that Mary had as a mother, we can begin to understand what we need to be to our own children. 

Within Mary’s nature existed many of the same challenges mothers of today face.  She felt fear, questioning, helplessness, and must have been overwhelmed.  The wonderful thing is that she knew what to do with those challenges.  She sought support from other women, had great faith, had a spirit of praise, faced the unknown, took time to ponder, obeyed, let go, prayed, and trusted God.

As a mother of two adult children (college age now) this book challenged me to think about “motherhood” in a whole new way.  Our children are not entrusted to us to meet the expectations we have for them, but instead we are asked to parent them so they can reach the full potential that God has placed within them. I don’t often say this, but I plan to read Heaven in Her Arms again.  There were so many moments in the book that challenged and moved me.  I highly recommend this book!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.