The Lord Bless You: A 28-Day Journey to Experience God's Extravagant Blessings by Terry A Smith Book Review

 

In The Lord Bless You, Terry A Smith has written a brand new 28-day devotional style book to explore the path to blessings whether it be us receiving a blessing or being a blessing to someone else. He began the book by looking at how we say bless you when someone sneezes. It all started when Pope Gregory the Great chose to have people to say a prayer and include God bless you when you sneeze. At the time, they were dealing with the Bubonic Plague and this caused sneezing and would lead to a fatal sickness. He shared how the Bible contained the words related to blessings more than 500 times. In the book, he drove deep into the topic of blessing and it’s divided up into four sections: blessing, purpose, people, and gratitude. 

 

 

 

He began the book by looking at Adam and Eve and how they sneezed and entered into the fall and sinned against God. They chose to go their own way and received a curse instead of a blessing. The world was later redeemed when Jesus died on the cross for humanity. He explained how God blessed Adam and Eve and then they got sick. He explored Abraham and the covenant and God told him how he would be a great nation and how he will bless him and how he will bless those who choose to bless him. He will also curse those, who curse him. All the people will be blessed through him. We can reply in the fact that we can choose to move forward and remember that God will bless us. 

 

 

 

One of my favorite chapters discussed the power of thank you. We can choose gratitude. He shared the story of the ten lepers and how only one thanked Jesus for his healing and praised him. We can use this story to remind us to praise Jesus and to grateful for everything we have been blessed with. He revealed a personal story about how he struggled with depression and had unmet expectations. He shared how God spoke to him and taught him a lesson on believing that is cup is already overflowing and be thankful for everything he has been given. His wife even noticed a big difference in his attitude. He clarified how God loves a cheerful receiver and how we need to learn to express our gratitude.

 

 

 

I would recommend this awesome book of receiving God’s blessings and in turn becoming a blessing in someone else’s life. I enjoyed how inspirational this devotional was and how quick and easy it is to read a devotional a day. I also liked how each day enclosed a question at the end to assist readers into digging deeper into the message. I also liked how the book was smaller book and it made it easier to carry around. 

 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com: 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Lord-Bless-You-Experience-Extravagant/dp/0800762827/

The Gift of the Unexpected: Discovering Who You Were Meant to be When Life Goes Off Plan by Jillian Benfield Book Review

In The Gift of the Unexpected, Jillian Benfield explored how we can learn to be present in our current circumstances and how we can discover who we are at our core. She breaks the book down into three parts: seeing ourselves like God sees us, feeling our pain, and discovering who God wants us to become. In the book, she opened up about her life story and how she was once a journalist and a news anchor. Everything changed when she was 27 years old and pregnant with her second child. She recalls receiving a phone call from her husband, Andy. The doctor reached out to him to explain the prognosis. They discovered that their son, Anderson had Down syndrome. She also discussed how rocky it was when they discovered that their son had a hole in his heart that measured 4 millimeters. It ended up really being 9 millimeters and was twice the size and there was two holes once he successful received the surgery. She revealed all of the mix of the emotions and events they faced as a couple. She was very real in sharing her grief, how she believed no one would ever want a picture of their son, he might not ever fall in love or be married, or get a job, and all the other fears that may come. She described her shock and her own ignorance and how she thought at first it meant he would experience a lesser life. She explained to readers how our worth isn’t found in our jobs, accomplishments, or intellect. It can only be found in God’s love for us and we can’t do anything to add to it. 

 

 

 

 

In the book, she also explored how people are treated who have a disability. In ancient times, Aristotle strongly recommended that they kill babies who had disabilities and use a method called idiot cages to separate them from others. Hitler murdered 270,000 people who had disabilities. Another example shared was about Staten Island Willowbrook, a mental institution. They were unsanitary, lacked clothing, patients suffered abuse, and patient were subjected to studies. She explained how they are seen as a disadvantage in society. She shared that, “about 78 percent of eligible adults with intellectual disabilities weren’t employed.” A major factor is how in schools they tend to separate and segregate the classrooms and how this leads to a segregated world. 

 

 

 

I would recommend this wonderful encouraging book about learning how to navigate in raising a child who has a disability. This book was very eye opening about the challenges and the negative preceptive society has towards them. I loved how it looked at the history and how this has shaped the future. I also liked how real Jillian was in explaining what her and her husband felt and experienced when they discovered and how over time, they loved the unexpected. I loved how each chapter contained a special section entitled the gift. She also had helpful discussion questions in each chapter. 

 

 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com: 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Unexpected-Discovering-Were-Meant/dp/0764240498

 

Daily Devotions from Psalms: 365 Daily Inspirations by Joyce Meyer Book Review

Daily Devotions from Psalms is a brand-new devotional from Joyce Meyer. She explained how Psalms is the longest book of the Bible. It contains 150 chapters. It was written in the style of worship songs and poems. King David, Moses, Asaph, and the sons of Korah all wrote the book of Psalms. This book can assist us in learning more about who God is and how we can worship Him. Each day included a verse, a short story and teaching, and a brief prayer.

 

 

One of my favorite days discussed having peace while we are sleeping and that God will watch over us. Joyce explained how a countless number of us have trouble sleeping at night. We stay up late thinking about and worrying about all kinds of things. We believe the key to solving them is ponder over what could happen next. Instead, we could learn to pray and give thanks to God in all things and for all things. Joyce shared how when we think about the goodness of God this in turn will assist us in falling asleep. She encouraged readers to search our hearts and ask God to reveal to us if we have done anything, that we might need to seek His forgiveness. It’s extremely important to sleep with a clear conscience. We must learn to receive His forgiveness completely and sleep with ease. 

 

 

I would recommend this life changing devotional to anyone who is seeking a new devotional for the new year. Joyce Meyer has an awesome teaching method to explain the material in a language that everyday readers can understand more clearly. I loved how she described how praise confuses the enemy. One of the scriptures even stated how infants and children can praise God and it will create a stronghold and silence our enemy. This was a huge encouragement to us that praising God can stop and limit the enemies’ attacks on our lives. We can instead focus more on praising about God’s goodness and everything He has done of us and all that He will do in the future. 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Psalms-365-Inspirations/dp/1546016163/  

Something One Small Thing Can Make a Difference Written by Natalee Creech and Illustrated by Pablo Pino Book Review

Something One Small Thing Can Make a Difference is a children book based on the passage in Matthews 25. Jesus tells the story about how when we give to others who are hungry, thirsty, lacking clothes, caring for someone who is sick, and visiting someone in prison we are more like Him. This children book discussed a kindness radar and how it starts with us. It explained how we don’t have to be grown up to make a difference. We can be young or old age doesn’t matter. The book showed people helping their neighbors and provided suggestions on showing others kindness. We can help elders get their mail, water their plants, and carrying items inside for them. We can assist pets in finding a loving home. We can brainstorm up and inventions to help others. We can show kindness in numerous ways. 

 

 

I would recommend this heartwarming children’s book to anyone aged 3-9. I loved all of the beautiful illustrations and how engaging and fun they hid all sorts of kindness in the book. Children will love picking out what they see on each page. One of my favorites was the invention called the wagging trail and it enclosed tons of dogs and cats wagging in a vehicle looking happy. I also liked how they had cute animals all throughout the book and kids will love what they can discover. This book has a great message of Matthews 25 and will teach children kindness and how we can spread the love of Christ to others. Hopefully children will take these ideas and even brainstorm some up of their own to be a blessing to others. 

 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords/Worthy Kids for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Something-Small-Thing-Make-Difference/dp/1546002871

Somebunny Loves You! Written by Melinda Lee Rathjen Book Review

Somebunny Loves You is a cute bunny book in a colorful spring setting. It describes how a love of a parent bunny has towards their child. A bunny watches over you while you play hide and seek. Parents are there to teach us to say our prayers and count our sheep. They convey to us God’s joy in our daily tasks and playtime. We are loved even when we are making silly faces and our fur isn’t perfectly pressed and fixed. It enclosed an amazing message about love and how we are truly loved for who we are. 

 

 

 

 

I would recommend this awesome bunny book to children aged 1-6. It would make an excellent book for easter and would be nicely placed in an easter basket. It contained a sweet message about the love of a parent and a child. The book had spectacular scenic nature scenes and all of the green, pink, blue, purple, red, and yellow to remind of us spring time and a new creation. I liked how it was written a mystery to figure out who loves some bunny and the big reveal at the end of who that special person is. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords/Worthy Kids for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Somebunny-Loves-You-Melinda-Rathjen/dp/1546003622/

My First Veggie Bible Stories Book Review

My First Veggie Bible Stories is a new adventure featuring the Veggie Tales covering the events from the Old and New Testaments. It starts with Noah’s ark and how he was told by God that there would be a massive flood coming soon to Earth. He was told to build a large ark to take shelter from the raging seas and seek protection. After the flood, God provided a rainbow in the sky as a promise of how much God does love us. 

 

 

Another story was about Peter walking on water. There was a big storm on the ocean and Jesus disciples were very worried about sinking. Jesus walked on water and Peter asked Jesus to let him walk on water and he did. Peter started to doubt and got scared and he began to sink and Jesus reminded him of having faith and believing in Him. 

 

 

 

I would recommend this wonderful book to children aged 1-7. You could even start it at the baby age if you wanted to. The book would be an excellent devotional style and it’s a great idea for children to learn about God and His people before bed. The book is very colorful and the creatures and characters are all very high-quality designs. It will be very engaging to children and they will enjoy reading about the Bible. It’s a breathtaking book on ascertaining the message of the Bible and the principles of God. Children can learn about faith, love, helping others, miracles, protection, and letting God fight our battles. 

 

 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords/Worthy Kids for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/First-Veggie-Bible-Stories-VeggieTales/dp/1546003959/

Day by Day Guided Journal: 100 Ways to Capture Memories & Create Your Own Story by Jess Conte Book Review

 

Day by Day Guided Journal is a beautiful journal designed by Jess Conte. There are fun activities broken down in four categories: check in, capture, create, reflect and grow. The check in section is designed to help you brainstorm and briefly write down your thoughts, focus on gratitude, and understanding self-care. The capture session contains fill in the blank and trivia style questions. The create section is artful coloring fun activities. The reflect and grow is meant to help us discovering our best self and we can reflect on our past and future. She encouraged readers to not have your phone close to you while you are having me time and live distraction free just for a few moments daily, if you need to. You can use this book whenever you need and the journal is created to allow you to go your own pace. 

 

 

 

I liked how she shared her own story in some of the activities. She explained how she is Australian and moved to the United States after marrying her husband. They are both have a social media presence and create content. She encourages readers to write down their own story. One of my favorite activities was taking the time to look around and draw things that make us happy, remind us of home, that we love, and that is colorful. I also liked the goal section and breaking it down in dream big, work hard, and small steps. This is beneficial to diving into what our dreams are and taking a step towards them. Another favorite thing was writing a letter to our future self and this can help us to figure out who we are. I immensely loved the positive affirmation and how this can assist us in reminding ourselves who we are and what we need to hear daily. I would recommend this wonderful book to anyone who is seeking a creative journal to find out who they are and they are wanting a break from the stress of the world. This book would be an excellent gift to any women in your life. 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Day-Journal-Jess-Conte/dp/1546015949

A Thousand Tomorrows by Karen Kingsbury Book Review

A Thousand Tomorrows is a recent re-release of a book written by Karen Kingsbury. It was first released in 2005. It has recently also been made into a TV series releasing on PureFlix soon. The book is about a national professional bull rider, Cody Gunner. The book begins by sharing about his life story and we learned about his father, Mike Gunner a football player for the Atlanta Falcons. He loved playing football and it was a major part of his life until he suffered a knee injury and was later cut from the team. Everything changed when that happened and he didn’t know how to handle his second son, Carl Joseph being born with down syndrome. He didn’t really even pay much attention to him at all. One day, his parents had a fight and he told his wife that he didn’t love her anymore. His dad decided to leave his family and Cody explained how he watched him drive away. He recalls running after his dad for at least ten houses down. Cody described his deep loved for his brother and believed if he didn’t truly love him nobody else would. He had an unfathomable wound from his father leaving and he partly blamed his mother for telling him to never return home. Cody shared how he became a cowboy and a bull rider. He found relief from the rage inside of him when he rode a bull. 

 

 

 

Ali Daniels is the second major character of the book. She also has a dream of becoming a national champion and a barrel racer. She was hiding a dark secret. She was facing a health crisis and had cystic fibrosis. Her parents were very protective of her since her sister also passed away from pneumonia. In the book, we witness how her health changes and gets worst and how she struggles breathing with her lungs. She would one day have to obtain a lung transplant and even then, she wouldn’t live past three years at the max. She ends up meeting Cody and she is drawn to Cody and they become friends and how they both wish to have a thousand of tomorrows together.  

 

 

I would recommend this awesome novel to anyone who is seeking a book that contains a positive message in the mist of difficult circumstances. I loved the character of Cody being a cowboy who is determined to win and then everything changes when he meets a girl. It has a wonderful message of forgiveness and healing and discovering what truly matters. This has a mix of love in the book and a hope that love never ends. It is based on the principles found in 1 Corinthians 13. The book also contained a helpful group reading guide questions that will assist readers into going deeper into the message of the book. I also excited to see the new series coming out and I think it even bring the book more to life. I also purchased the second book in the series and I’m curious to find out what happens next in the Cody Gunner adventure. I also liked how she wrote a new introduction in this addition explaining how she came up with the idea for the book. This was very eye opening and Karen is an excellent writer to bring the topic of cystic fibrosis to life.

 

 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Tomorrows-Cody-Gunner-Book-ebook/dp/B002SSBDDK/

 

 

 

Check it out on Pureflix starting February 24!

 

 

https://www.pureflix.com/movie/a-thousand-tomorrows

Something Greater: Discovering God's Best Right Where You Are by Jentezen Franklin Book Review

 

In Something Greater, Jentezen Franklin has written a book to remind readers that we are living in the acres of diamonds and that greater is coming our way. This book is a re-released his popular book, Acres of Diamonds in a mass market paperback edition. He begins the book by explaining how a diamond is created. It takes time, pressure, and heat. He described how when we go through our trials that they serve a purpose and we need to learn to stay and become more fruitful. This will cause us to learn more and do more and it will bring forth a diamond. He revealed the powerful impact the word stay can have on our lives and cause a positive change reaction. He reminded readers that they grass isn’t always greener somewhere else. He looked at Ecclesiastes and how it explained how there is a time for everything, to laugh, live, gather, plant, and much more. He also explored the Prodigal son and how he left home in search of a more fulfilling life. He strongly cautioned believers to not run from churches, jobs, relationships, and not to be so quick to move. He explained how the very thing we are leaving someone else would love to have. 

 

 

 

 

One of my favorite stories, he shared was about our tattered dreams. God is still on the throne and able to bring our dreams to pass. He told the story of billionaire real estate mogul, Steve Wynn. He purchased a painting by Picasso, the Le Reve estimated to have been worth for about $60 million. Wynn had an eye disease and this affected his peripheral vision. He tried to sale it years later and at the sale he fell and tore the painting. He ripped the painting that was now worth $139 million. He was able to find a restorer and he fixed the torn painting. He later sold it for $155 million. Even though it was torn and restored it was now worth more than ever. He used this story to encourage us that even torn dreams can be restored. God’s word even declares that He will repay you the years that the locusts have eaten. Our failure doesn’t have to be final. Jesus still promises to give us life more abundantly. 

 

 

I would recommend this wonderful book to anyone who is ready to learn more about how we can do something great right where we are. We can learn about our hidden potential and discover God’s plan for our lives. Another favorite thing he shared was the chapter on jobs and how God has us right where he wants us. We may be planted where God currently wants us to be. If we choose to leave, we may miss our acres of diamonds. One of the most powerful lessons, he shared was on how we are located right where we need to be for a reason. He revealed how we don’t need to forget that we have influence over our employees and coworkers. We can in turn use this to reach others for Christ. Franklin explained how we are able to reach others for Christ in ways he couldn’t do as a preacher. He spent a great deal in stating that Jesus also did work and how we can do our jobs with excellence. This is the second time I have read this book. I read the first edition and this is a great reminder of the message of this book. I liked how this edition was smaller and easier to carry around with you for quick reference. 

 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com: 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Something-Greater-Discovering-Right-Where/dp/0800762959/

Your Greater Is Coming: Discover the Path to Your Bigger, Better, and Brighter Future by Joel Osteen Book Review

 

In Your Greater is Coming, Joel Osteen explored the message of hope and believing that better days are headed your way. He reminded readers that when they are going through difficult times, they must remember that the bad break that we dealing with isn’t the end. There is greater coming. It’s imperative that we keep that phrase in our spirit and dwell on it when we are facing challenges. He shared what apostle Peter said about how after we suffer for a little while and God will provide us with grace and He will restore us and strengthen us. We can have hope that the suffering we are experiencing isn’t permanent. We have to remember that we must go through the suffering and keep an attitude of faith. Joel explained how our suffering is a setup and how He can use this to take us to another level in our destiny. We wouldn’t be who we are today without going through the disappointment, setbacks, and hardships. 

 

 

Joel shared a personal story about how his dad began pastoring for a good number of years. He eventually had to leave that church because Joel’s sister, Lisa was born with something like cerebral palsy and she was told that she wouldn’t be able to walk or feed herself. His father at the time took a week’s trip to seek God and study scripture. His church at the time didn’t believe that God healed in today’s times. But he was reminded that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He taught on healing at his church and he felt he was forced to leave the church. His parents went on to start Lakewood and at first services were held in an old feedstore and around 90 people showed up for the first service. Joel shared how Lisa was healed and how the church has grown over the years. His parents were able to experience greater favor, opportunity, influence, and step into what God had for them. 

 

 

 

 

One of my favorite stories, he described was on a lady who had been without work for over a year. She was a sales associate who contact wasn’t being renewed. She applied at many different places and was turned down. She had an interview out of state and it come down to her and another man. On the way, there she met a taxicab driver. She explained how she had been out of work and was she had been praying and believing for a door to open for her. Later that day, the driver picked up the interviewer and he realized that they were connected and he told her who she should pick for the job. The driver sang praises for the lady and she got the job all because of how the driver portray the lady who desperately wanted the job. Joel shared how this was a hand of God and wasn’t just a coincidence. God caused someone who didn’t know her to put a good word in for her that lead to her in getting the job. 

 

 

 

I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who is ready to start believing and dreaming again. We must always remember that our story hasn’t ended and if we are still breathing, then we can rely on hope and that greater is coming. I immensely loved the positive message of this book and how if we will take the extra time to let the message get into our spirit daily, we will witness a wonderful transformation and go from a caterpillar to a butterfly. God is going to do a new thing in our lives and we must not place Him in a box. I also enjoyed the story about the car charger and how Joel explained how he didn’t know that some vehicles contain cordless chargers and he used that story to explain how sometimes things don’t come in ways that we are used to or expecting them to. God could be opening up a new door but we might not be able to perceive it if we aren’t open. 

 

 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Greater-Coming-Discover-Brighter/dp/1455534412/