How to REach Your Full Potential for God

I am reviewing this book from Thomas Nelson booksneeze program.
This book by Dr. Charles Stanley is truly a great book of interesting new ideas-many I had never thought of. I almost did not get this book because a lot of books have this concept and I was afraid this would be a cookie cutter. I enjoy Dr. Stanley's writings and I was not disappointed with this book. He has a way of inspiring you to take a look at what God is trying to accomplish in your life.
What really hit home was "are you living a settled-for life"? How often we are not pursuing our potential and even factoring God in our decision making or goal setting.
This book enables the reader to discover talents that God has placed in each of us. He show us seven hurdles that hampers our walk with God--1-limited perspective,2-feelings of low value.3-constant comparisons, 4-self imposed limitations,5-fear of disappointment,6-fear of failure.7-laziness. Healso tackles topicsthat deal with our mind, body, heart, gifts,relationships, schedules and taking God approved risks. So much interesting information in this book, take it slow and enjoy how God is challenging you to pursue Him in a new and passionate way.
My favorite take away was: Ever asked the Lord-what do you want me to be?-ask now. What do you want do do in my life? I pray this will be my goal for 2010.

5 Dollar Dinners by Erin Chase

I am trying to win this book from the author's blog and by posting this I get 2 entries. This is a really great website and she really does dinners for only $5.00 each day. That is why I want this cookbook

Promise Born by Cara Putman

I had the privilege of receiving this from the author and was super excited to get to read her second book in the Promise series. This was very interesting and I devoured it in 2 days-which is good for me. The storyline deals in the midst of WWII and the Navy WAVES. The main character, Evelyn, leaves Washington for Dayton Ohio to work on a top-secret project which helps her leave an unhappy past in Washington behind. Evelyn being a Purdue engineering graduate is just what the project needs to fix the problem. Loved that part since I live in Purdue country and so does Cara. She brought in a love interest, a spy, spiritual conversion and growth and an interesting ending that leaves me wanting to know more. I was especially happy to know she filled in some blanks about the characters in A Promise Kept.
Another great read by my favorite local author.

What I have read lately

Since I lost my job the end of September, I thought I would read, read and read more. I have done some reviews from Thomas Nelson which is cool since they are free for reading and blogging.
These are some of the other titles I have read that were really good:
Noticer by Andy Andrews
Fantastic story-I really want to meet Jones. Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down till I finished-2 1/2 hours later. Quick, easy read and extremely heartwarming yet profound story. I liked his writing so much, went to the library to check out his other books.
Promise Kept by Cara Putman
My favorite local author which is an amazing writer. She writes both historical and suspense. This is the first of her Promise books and has a personal and heartwarming story that captivates you from the very first page. I am not a huge historical reader but love her books. This is a story about a newlywed couple that move from a small town to a bigger city. They take in a young cousin from London to take her away from the bombings and how their story unfolds.
Be prepared to enjoy this book and Cara's writing. She puts her heart and soul in each book and shows how God will always be there not matter what we go through.
Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble
I was able to win this from Colleen on her website. She is one of my very, very favorite authors. I know I will be enthralled by her story-always has suspense and romance in every book. This is a new venue for Colleen which is historical with suspense and romance-interesting mix. This did not disappoint me. The storyline is about Addie Sullivan who grows up as a lightkeeper's daughter at the turn of the century. A long lost wealthy relative finds her and enlists her help as a governess. She hopes to discover the truth of her heritage but nothing is as it seems. She tries to unravel a decades old mystery. As usual, Colleen keeps me guessing who is the culprit and this surprised me at the end. I highly recommend reading this and all her other books.

Jesus Lives

I received Jesus Lives by Sarah Young through Thomas Nelson as part of the blogging reviews. This is actually my third book by Sarah-I think she is a superb writer with amazing insight as an author. I use her first two books as daily devotionals and will use this daily also.
She writes in the first person with Jesus talking directly to you-that is so interesting and you feel like you are "walking with the Savior" through various circumstances of your day. She listens to God, writes what she hears and always with dependence of the Holy Spirit.
The interesting aspect of this book was in the introduction. In writing the book, she had health problems and very weak, which made this writing an act of faith. As she focused on Jesus, His compassionate Presence encouraged her.
Each page is dedicated to a devotion-
Worship-Grace-Resting in Him-Intimacy in Him-Attitude-Heaven and many more. As you read each devotion you will feel the Fathers love for you and how He loves you since He is talking to you. On the opposite page are bible verses that shows how God's word is alive and full of power.
In reading this devotional you will experience a deeper, richer intimacy and communion with Jesus each day.
Start the new year with this superb devotional and look into her other two books-you will not be disappointed.

NKJV Greatest Stories of the Bible

I want to tell you about a new, really cool bible that Thomas Nelson put together. I received this from the publisher and it is so good and so different. What impressed me the most was the unique way it is put together. They picked 250 of the Bible's best know stories which also can be used as a daily devotional which I intend to do. I also think this would be a great bible for a new
Christian-sometimes a bible tends to intimidate them and this bible would highlight the "best of the best" stories and keep them interested and informed as they start their jouney.
I think this would be great for parents and kids to read together since it appears in storybook form. Both old and new testaments are included.
I really like the NKJV for readability too.
This is a hardback book but it is beautiful in both cover and inside pages.
Take a look and you will be just as impressed as I am.
Remember, you can't have too many bibles!!!

Story of Christmas

I just received Story of Christmas from Nelson this afternoon and was sooooooo excited to sit down and read it. It was really cute and perfect for my 4 year old granddaughter. I loved the artwork, loved the short story on each page. My favorite was the questions on the bottom of each page and the unique "Can you retell the story" feature at the end.
A dvd was also included which makes this the "perfect" gift for her. Can't wait to sit, snuggle and read with her. Perfect story for a perfect season.
This book is a must buy for kids or grandkids. You can't have too many Christmas story books and this is one of the best yet.