A Spectacle of Glory - Joni Eareckson Tada

A Spectacle of Glory: God's Light Shining through Me Every Day by Joni Eareckson Tada with Larry Libby is a compact devotional that focuses on how God loves you and enables you to live daily as a spectacle of His glory. 

Joni Eareckson Tada, who has lived nearly half a century as a quadriplegic following a diving accident as a teen, knows a lot about living with pain daily, and we would certainly understand if she complained about her physical pain and frustrations. But she has learned to say yes to God on a day-to-day basis and continue to follow Him on this difficult journey and glorifying Him through it all. Joni uses her experience to encourage you and bring comfort in difficulties by helping the reader focus on following Him each step of the way. No matter how insignificant you may think you are or what challenges you face, you can use your life and circumstances to glorify God.

Using a passage of Scripture to look up, a couple of paragraphs of thought on it, followed by a prayer, this book, together with a Bible, is intended to help the reader focus on glorifying God through simple changes in attitude and thought patterns. Instead of being overwhelmed, it is bite-sized portions of Scripture to slowly digest and allow to nourish your spirit. The book is also compact-sized, making it easy to slip into a purse or briefcase to carry with you. This is a wonderful gift for anyone, including yourself, if you need encouragement during hardships---or simply feeling too insignificant to be used by God.

Many thanks to Handlebar Publishing for providing me with a copy at no cost to myself. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Never Ever Give Up by Erik Rees

Never Ever Give Up: The Inspiring Story of Jessie and her JoyJars by Erik Rees (and Jenna Glatzer)

It started with a simple question: How can we help them? It became an international movement called NEGU: Never Ever Give Up. When Jessica Joy Rees was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at age 11, she chose to focus not on herself but on bringing joy and hope to other children suffering from cancer.
During the ten months she battled cancer, she and her family worked in the “Joy Factory” (originally their garage) making JoyJars®—packages filled with toys, games, and love for other kids with cancer. Jessie first handed them out personally at the hospital where she was being treated, but the effort blossomed quickly and there were soon thousands of JoyJars® being distributed across the United States and to over fifteen countries. Today, more than 100,000 kids have received JoyJars®, and they continue shipping each week to kids in over 200 children’s hospitals and 175 Ronald McDonald Houses.
Jessie lost her battle with cancer in January 2012, but her message lives on in the Jessie Rees Foundation, which has become a beacon of hope for families fighting pediatric cancer.

 www.negu.org
JessieReesFoundation on FB 
JoyJars 
Follow @TeamNEGU
#NEGU
JessieReesFoundation Instagram 
JessieReesFoundation YouTube 


My Review: This is the story of Jessica Joy Rees, as told through the eyes of her father. When Erik noticed that Jessie was having problems seeing, the family expected an adjustment with glasses and perhaps a few eye muscle exercises to take care of the problem. Jessie was a healthy, active 11 year old who shared her older sister's love of swimming. Both were on swim teams with promising futures as athletes. Jessie was at that age of enjoying fashion and shopping like her sister, but still willing to play games with her younger brother.

The news that her eye problems were due to an inoperable brain tumor devastated the family, but they were determined to take whatever measures necessary to prolong her life. Two things happened that proved Jessie was both a fighter and a giver: a friend encouraged her with the words, "Never Ever Give Up", which Jessie made into a slogan---NEGU, (pronounced 'knee-goo') and her determination to help cheer up other children she saw in the hospital who did not get to go home as she did (following radiation treatments). This, and her love of shopping, led to the creation of JoyJars. Her goal was to make sure that every child with cancer received one.

The book itself is the family's journey through Jessie's 10 month battle with cancer, both the ups and the downs. Of course there is sadness, but this is mostly a celebration of Jessie, and the certainty the Rees family has, through their belief in Jesus Christ, that Jessie is now healed and that they will one day be reunited. I recommend the book, and I certainly recommend you get involved with the Jessie Rees Foundation at www.negu.org. Remember, Never EVER Give Up! #NEGU

I was provided with a free copy form Handlebar in exchange for an honest review.

Rich in Years

Finding Peace and Purpose in a Long Life by Johann Christoph Arnold

Why shouldn’t growing older be rewarding? Johann Christoph Arnold, whose books have helped over a million readers through life’s challenges, wants us to rediscover the spiritual riches that age has to offer. Now in his seventies, Arnold finds himself personally facing the trials that come with aging. But he knows, from decades of pastoral experience, what older people and their caregivers can do to make the most of the journey. In this book, he shares stories of people who, in growing older, have found both peace and purpose. (from the website)

My Review:  I do love the basic premise for the book---encouraging people to continue to find ways to serve others even as they near the end of their lifespan. I have long held the belief that the need to feel needed and useful are essential, and the author gives stories about people who never quit looking for ways to  be used. As a Christian, I also appreciate the use of Scripture and the demonstrations of lives dedicated to serving God. I would recommend the book to those who feel they (or an older relative) has reached a point that they are not essential. Depression and bitterness are not the way to spend the remainder of your time on earth.

However, as far as a book just to read, it was only ok. Each story told and the people involved were good as individual stories, but this is not a book to read in just one or sittings. This is more of a personal choice of reading material than a criticism toward the book itself, but it just wasn't one that kept my interest for long.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.

Ingredients For Success

Written by Joseph James Slawek, CEO of FONA International and an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, this book explores the business practices found in the parables of Matthew 25 (the parable of the ten virgins, the parable of the talents, and the sheep and the goats), ranging from "boldly yet compassionately tell the truth" to "use your talents responsibly or you'll lose them." Slawek's business experience as the leader of an international company, and his belief that the Bible has a lot to say about business, answers the question: how can a Christian business leader live out his faith in the workplace? (from the publisher)


My Review: For such a small book, I felt that the author packed in a lot of information that can guide a business owner who truly cares about his company and employees. Matthew 25 has always been a favorite of mine and I love the way Slawek uses the parables to make his point. I cannot speak as a business owner, but I have been an employee of several businesses over the years. Although I have always tried to work as if working for the Lord, I admit that it is much easier if your boss also feels the same way. Mr. Slawek appears to expect a lot from his employees, but is also generous.

The principles used, as viewed from a business perspective, make a lot of sense. I also like his outlook that one should strive for excellence, but not to be afraid of failing. His chapter on failure, mediocrity, excellence, and perfection made a lot of sense to me. I also thought he hit the nail on the head (for me, anyway) when he said that fear leads to procrastination. I must admit that I do put off doing things that I am afraid I will not do well. (I gave up on perfection years ago!) The book is a quick read, but one I feel could impact the way you run your business or even how you apply yourself as an employee.

Disclaimer - I received a free copy of this book through Kickstand Books, a division of Handlebar Publishing, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
 

Joseph James Slawek is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of FONA International. He founded FONA International in 1987 with a desire to be both high tech and high touch, and it 's the difference that makes FONA special and successful. Joe's unwavering focus on FONA 's customers, employees and stakeholders, and his commitment to operating a values-based organization are driving factors in the success of FONA. In 1999 Joe was inducted into the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame in recognition of the unique corporate culture he established and the dramatic year over year growth it was driving−five times the industry standard. Over the last several years (2007-2011), Joe has led FONA to be the only full service flavor company on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States. In his personal life, Joe is actively committed to his family, his church and community service. He is a private pilot who enjoys recreational aviation and outdoor pastimes.(publisher bio)

The War On Christmas

The War On Christmas, edited by Bodie Hodge.

Filled with family get-togethers, office parties, breaks from school, decorating the tree, and more, Christmas is a time of peace and love. So why has so much controversy clouded this sacred holiday? It has become ground zero in an ongoing culture war where Nativity scenes are mixed, Merry Christmas becomes Happy Holidays, and even the word "Christmas" is considered by some as offensive. Find the truth about Christmas and the Christian's response to a culture that seems to be declaring war. (Publisher's Description)

 My Review: Beautiful pictures, along with short chapters that cover a wide range of topics within the story of Christmas, and filled a lot of background and detail make this an interesting book for those who want much more clarity on what the Bible says. On the other hand, some of it was repetitive and could get a bit boring. Perhaps it is simply because I learned the story of Jesus from the Bible and have always realized that the songs, movies, cartoons, etc. are a creative retelling rather than a factual documentary. There were bits of info scattered among the chapters that I found interesting, but nothing that I found mind-boggling. I had also hoped it would delve a bit into the current issues over the religious and secular symbols associated with Christmas and why so many are determined to ban the mention of Christmas from the public arena. However, since this was a project from Answers In Genesis, it would be unfair to fault them for not putting an emphasis on that aspect. It was good book, but not great.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Handlebar. 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.

The Point by William E. Jefferson

The Point: The Redemption of Oban Ironbout 

In his breakout novel of spiritual revelation, William E. Jefferson invites readers on a journey of discovery where "joy and meaning break through pain."

Hollie and Goodwin Macbreeze, a young couple in search of refreshment and inspiration, travel to the metaphorical island of Estillyen where creative monks stage dramatic readings of biblical stories. While Hollie focuses on the readings, Goodwin has another goal: to search out the house he sketched as a boy, and possibly meet its reclusive owner, Oban Ironbout, a former friend of Goodwin's grandfather. The unlikely and unwelcome relationship Hollie and Goodwin form with Ironbout brings him out of his years of bitterness and into the monk community and their fascinating ways with words. In the process, the couple discovers unexpected answers to their own dilemmas.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Handlebar Marketing as part of their Book Review Blogger 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."

 I have to give this one more of a mixed review. There is no doubt that the book is well written by someone who loves words. I guess I am simply too pragmatic to get into the fanciful names of the monks, the animals, etc. None of the characters really came to life for me and the detailed descriptions caused my mind to wander so much that I would lose interest in the book. I would start to get into the flow of the story when it would change to a different storyline. I guess one could say, I lost the point of what is going on. I did look at some of the biblical readings from a new slant, which is good, but I would have preferred reading them as one book and the Oban Ironbout story as another. I plan on reading the book that way later, but I was asked to read the book as it is written. I can appreciate that this is a book that many people will find insightful, but it just isn't a style for me.

Freefall to Fly by Rebekah Lyons

Women today are fading. In a female culture built on Photoshopped perfection and Pinterest fantasies, we've lost the ability to dream our own big dreams. So busy trying to do it all and have it all, we've missed the life we were really designed for. And we are paying the price. The rise of loneliness, depression, and anxiety among the female population in Western cultures is at an all-time high. Overall, women are two and a half times more likely to take antidepressants than men. What is it about our culture, the expectations, and our way of life that is breaking women down in unprecedented ways?

In this vulnerable memoir of transformation, Rebekah Lyons shares her journey from Atlanta, Georgia, to the heart of Manhattan, where she found herself blindsided by crippling depression and anxiety. Overwhelmed by the pressure to be domestically efficient, professionally astute, and physically attractive, Rebekah finally realized that freedom can come only by facing our greatest fears and fully surrendering to God's call on our lives. This book is an invitation for all women to take that first step toward freedom. For it is only when we free-fall that we can truly fly. (publisher description)

Freefall to Fly: A Breathtaking Journey Toward a Life of Meaning by Rebekah Lyons is much like reading the personal journal of someone. This is an honest account of how her life began to spiral as she dealt with her hopes, fears, frustrations, her present, and her past. As she attempted to grab onto things that would stop the the panicked feelings of spiraling out of control, she felt more laden with anxiety and was concerned over the burdens her family were also having to deal with as well. One illustration that stood out to me was our harmful words being rocks we pile on those we love. We think of throwing rocks/stones that may bruise or even break a "bone", but it is even worse to think of simply piling those rocks on a loved one until they are eventually crushed by the weight of it all. I think it is the weight of those that can lead to someone being to exhausted to properly heal. So, she encourages women not to hold on to those burdens (or hand them to other family members) or keep grabbing at things to stop ourselves in our pursuit of living the life of the woman God created us to be. It may not be the plan you envisioned but we each have our own journey and God has equipped us with the desires and talents to fly...but first we have to jump.

This wasn't one of those, "I can't put this down!" books for me, but it was good. A couple of things she had to say did give me something to think about, and that's a good thing. On the other hand, not all of us have supportive family and friends we can freely share with when going through difficulties. I would recommend the book, though.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Handlebar.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.