Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind - Christine Caine

The unexpected, by its very nature, can have a tremendous impact. Sometimes it even shakes our faith, causing us to become defensive and fearful of living out our life fully trusting God. However, that does not have to be your reaction. In Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind, Christine Caine uses compelling stories along with practical advice to offer encouragement. Leave behind the anxiety and move forward in faith, knowing that the unexpected WILL happen, but you can be confident that God is fully in control and will see you through anything. 

Christine Caine website 

MY REVIEW: Each of us has unexpected things occur in our lives and we are seldom prepared. Christine Caine received a diagnosis of cancer that rearranged plans she had made for her life and this book opens with her story. She doesn't offer easy steps of dealing with these changes but does tell the reader how she trusted Jesus during the ordeal.

But this is more than Christine's story. She also shares many other stories of people who have had their lives turned upside down. We are given a peek into how God used circumstances and other people to help each during the difficult times and, even to prepare for their future. Caine gives many examples of the hope to be found and the restoration of lives to a 'new normal' that is meaningful.

I highly recommend this book to all. No one goes through life without facing the unexpected, whether minor or major, and we all need the reminder that we have a God who is with us at all times. The message of comfort, strength, hope, and healing reminds us to face our fear by trusting God as He leads us through the trials we face. What is unexpected by us is known by God and Christine will help you fight the fear you are facing and move forward.

I received a copy of this book from Icon Media Group for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review.

How to Be a Perfect Christian - Babylon Bee

How to Be a Perfect Christian: Your Comprehensive Guide to Flawless Spiritual Living by The Babylon Bee ... Your Trusted Source for Christian News Satire. This book from the creator of "Babylon Bee" is very good, but not one you can simply just read through. At least, I couldn't.

I am a huge fan of Babylon Bee on Facebook... even the posts that step on my own toes a little harder than I like. Sometimes it's just my mood, but there are times I think they have gone too far. Of course, most other readers seem to feel the same. The comments are fantastic...ranging from those who need to be writing for the website on to those who just can't get the grasp of satire. I confess, that I also get a bit amused when I share the post and someone takes it seriously.

I do miss the feedback from the social media comments and that I made the mistake of trying to read straight through. Sometimes a little is better than a lot. As with the articles, some chapters were funnier to me than others and some struck a nerve. The photo above describes me better than I am comfortable in admitting. But the "ouch" moments are usually the ones I need the most.

But, if you enjoy reading shorter passages in a book, this is entertaining. Or, if you know someone who does not have access to any of the Babylon Bee sites --- and loves satire --- it's a great gift book. I recommend it to anyone who isn't afraid to take a look at themselves with a good sense of humor. As said in Proverbs 15:15, "For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast." Enjoy the gift of laughter today and have a happy heart.

Many thanks to Waterbrook-Multnomah for the gift copy. A review was not required, and this is my honest opinion.

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Steps of Faith

Steps of Faith synopsis: Faith Houston (Chrystee Pharris) believes God has told her to move from Dallas to a small town to work on a Hippotherapy farm helping children. Her family is doubtful, considering that Faith is afraid of animals and children... and is not even a devout Christian. Once she arrives, the farm manager, Bell (Gail Cronauer), laughs at her too, but Marshall Lee (Charles Malik Whitfield) convinces her to give Faith a chance. Marshall mentors Faith as she learns to work on the farm, including cleaning stables, and their relationship begins to blossom. Although Faith is following what she believes is God's plan for her life, her fears continue. When a child is almost injured, the pressure is too much. Doubting she actually heard God, she runs away and returns to her home. Can she step out in faith once again... and will "Steps of Faith" give her another chance?

 

My Review: I truly enjoyed this film. The characters played well off each other and it was easy to love each of them. Steps of Faith is a dramedy that speaks on hearing God's Voice, obedience and other important matters. But the story is told with a light-hearted touch that had me frequently smiling. The spiritual growth of the two main characters was as much fun as the growth in their relationship as they fall in love with one another. Additional characters, including some familiar faces, add texture to the story. The movie is directed by M. Legend Brown and written by Micheal D. Brown and T. K. Henderson. 

Steps of Faith website
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Many thanks to LEV3L Digital for providing me with a copy AND offering a DVD to a reader of my blog. Please Enter with #StepsOfFaithL3 on this bog post or in a comment on a social Media post. Deadline to enter is Friday, June 8, 2018.