Which None can Shut-Reema Goode

 Taken from the verse in Revelation 3:8, See I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it. In this Powerful collection of personal stories Reema takes us deep inside her Arab neighborhood to show how God is opening doors in just one of many Islamic communities.

Very moving and eye opening, hard to put down once you start. Using the stories from the missionaries own encounters we are shown the miracles God is performing in the lives of Muslim people. Even though it is dangerous Muslim believers are converting and sharing the faith and love of Christ to those around them, because of the efforts of missionaries like the Goode family. But as Reema points out it all started long ago with the prayers of people who'd never been to the middle east, but felt a compulsion to pray.

I recieved a copy to review from Tyndale House Publishers, all opinions expressed are my own.

A Year With God-R.P.NettelHorst

A Year With God is a collections of daily readings and reflections on God's own words, make His thoughts your thoughts. Arranged by topic, it highlights God's words to his people so you can know what really matters to Him  and to you.

I've been using A Year With God for my daily devotions and I love that unlike most devotionals that only use one verse and then devotional thoughts, this book uses a passage scripture and the devotional thoughts and the scripture is God's own thoughts from His own word. I also love that it is undated using only numbers to represent each reading so if I miss a day I don't feel like I have to skip one to be on track.

I recieved a copy from Thomas Nelson to review and all opinions expressed are my own.

City On Our Knees-TobyMac

From grammy award winning singer, producer and songwriter, TobyMac, City On Our Knees is the stories behind the popular song by the same name. Each section takes a phrase from the song and tells the stories of real people making a difference in the world around them. The stories represent people of all ages, races, religions and places and times in history and show what life can look like when people step out in courage and in love, and strengthen the family of God.

City on Our Knees is an easy read, all stories will inspire and some will leave you in tears but it will show you how just a little could make a big difference. Now when I hear the song I don't just sing the words I remember the stories.

I recieved a copy of this book from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group to review, all opinions expressed are my own.

The Strategically Small Church-Brandon J. O'Brien

I recently recieved a copy of The Strategically Small Church by Brandon J. O'Brien and it couldn't have come at a more appropriate time. Having recently relocated to a very small church where my husband is on staff I was interested in O'Brien's take on the advantages of a small church.

In The Strategically Small Church, O'Brien shows how small churches are uniquely equipped for success in todays culture and shows how other churches can learn from their stategies. He states small churches, facilitate a higher level of commitment from laypeople, focus attention on fewer programs, increasing effectivness and nurture close relationships across age and life-experience barriers. He uses examples from real life small churches such as the authentic, nimble, equipping, intergenerational, and the training church, showing what works with each.In a world where bigger is considered better, O'Brien shows that sometimes small is just right.

I recieved a copy for review from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, all views expressed are my own opinion.

Transforming Church in Rural America-Shannon O'Dell

I recently recieved a copy of Shannon O'Dell's Transforming Church in Rural America, breaking all the Rurals, and it couldn't have come at a more appropriate time. My husband was recently hired as a youth pastor of a very small rural church much like the one described in O'Dell's book, so I was interested in his take on how to transform such a church.

Using the acronym V.A.L.U.E, vision, attitude, leadership, understanding and enduring excellence, O'Dell shares his struggles and humble beginnings of transforming a small rural church desiring change but not wanting to let go of the past to get there. With humor and bits of sarcasim he shares exactly what it's like to worship and live in a rural community but also how using his VALUE system and listening for Gods ultimate timing a church can go from rural to virtual. He states the key is not in growing a congregation but growing the congregants, which I'd have to agree with.

This was a very interesting and well written book with alot of great ideas for rural churchs wanting change. Though I don't think some of these methods would work with alot of rural church's there were many methods in the book that would benefit church's of all sizes.

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. 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.”

DVD-The Way Home

I had the privilege this week of reviewing "The Way Home" a DVD based on the inspirational true story, starring Dean Cain. The Way Home is the story of a husband and father torn between the demands of his job and commitment to his family, something alot of husbands and fathers today struggle with. But when asked to watch their 2 yr old son for a few minutes, Randy is distracted by work and 2 yr old Joe disappears. What follows is their desperate search alongside hundreds of  friends, family and churches in the community. It is the story of Randy's powerful spiritual journey back to love, faith and a Godly understanding of what must always take first priority in a man's life-his family.

My 16 yr old daughter and I loved this movie. The way Home shows what happens when we let the demands of life interfer with our family life and how God can point us back in the right direction. Great family movie that can be watched by all ages, just have the kleenex standing by. The film also includes several special features to enjoy. Will recommend this to friends and family looking for good, clean, christian viewing.

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. 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.”

100 Prayers God Loves to Hear 100 Praise Songs-Stephen Elkins

I love, love, loved this book for children! It is packed with 100 days of prayers; from scripture including David, Moses, and Jesus, from famous and well known people like Chales Wesley and Abraham Lincoln and beloved childrens prayers like Now I lay me down to sleep. Reading through this book will teach your young children how, what and when to pray while making praying fun.

One of my favorite parts of the book is the, My Little Prayer Reminders at the end of each prayer with quotes or bible verses. These would be perfect for copy work for homeschool children to use, which we plan on doing. Also included is two cd's with 100 praise songs that kids will want to listen to over and over reinforcing the prayers in the book. All in all this is a simple little childrens book that is packed full with great little treasure you are sure to enjoy.

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. 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.”