Earthen Vessels: Why our bodies matter to our faith by Matthew Lee Anderson

This book takes a look at our bodies and how they relate to issues like the world, tattoos, sex, homosexuality, death and worship.  It is a pretty high level read and the first few chapters are pretty philosophical, so I didn’t get a lot from those chapters.  As the book went along, I think it began to get more interesting, or maybe I was just more interested in the topics. 

The main thing that I took away from this book, which I think was the lead sentence in the conclusion of each chapter, is that our bodies are not our own.  They belong to Christ.  I found the last few chapters the most interesting when it explores our bodies and worship, and the church body and worship.  He wrote about technological advancements and what I’d call e-Worship using the Internet and streaming sermons.  I think he raises an interesting point that while I think that they can beneficial, there is something to be said for gathering as a church community together that adds an element that can’t be found on your own. 

I enjoyed portions of this book, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you are looking for light reading.  I didn’t understand some of the first few chapters, but that might be my own limited understanding of philosophy.  I agree with his epilogue that it may have raised more questions than it answers, but that might not be all bad if he’s trying to start conversations as it seems he is.

Disclaimer:  I received this book as a part of the book reviewer program from Bethany House.  My review is my own and was not influenced in any way.

Gabby God’s Little Angel by Sheila Walsh, illustrated by Marina Fedotova

Gabby God’s Little Angel by Sheila Walsh, illustrated by Marina Fedotova is a Children's book about a Guardian Angel named Gabby that is getting her first assignment to watch over an active girl name Sophie.  She follow’s Sophie throughout her day and protects her through her activities.  Gabby is a free spirit like Sophie, and has a lot to learn, but is up for the challenge.  The message of the book is that God cares so much for us that he sets angels to watch over us.  It is appropriate for young children.

The message of the book was clear from the telling of the story and fit naturally in it.  God loves us and wants to protect us, so he sends angels to watch over us and protect us.  The illustrations fit in well with the story and I think children looking at the pictures will enjoy them.  As I mentioned earlier, I think the author blended in the spiritual message well in the story, as it didn’t seem like it was forced into it.  I would recommend this book to anyone with small children, especially little girls.   If you enjoyed God’s Little Princess Devotional Bible, I think you will enjoy this.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

J.R.R. Tolkien: Christian Encounters by Mark Horne

J.R.R. Tolkien is the focus for this installment of the Christian Encounters series.  It follows the author in the struggles of his early years through to his career as a successful writer of both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.  It gives information about his time at Oxford and in World War I.  It shows how the struggles and experiences in his life were displayed in his writings.

I enjoyed the book as I was not familiar with his life.  I was particularly interested in his friendship with C.S. Lewis as I am a fan of them both, and how they influenced each other. The details of the publishing of The Lord of the Rings were also interesting.   I got the impression from reading the book that he was not a particularly happy person, but that may be from his life experiences, or I may just be reading into it.  I would recommend this to someone who is interested in Tolkien, but doesn’t need to go into great detail on his life, as this is a somewhat short biography.  I enjoy reading his books and it was nice to learn a little bit about his life as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Blessing by John Trent and Gary Smalley

The Blessing by John Trent and Gary Smalley is a book about passing on blessing to your children or really anyone that is close to you.  It is based off of blessings given in the Bible, specifically the blessing given to Jacob and its effect on both him and his brother Esau.  It discusses the positives of those receiving the blessing and the damaging effects it has on those that don’t receive it.  It then shows how you can pass the blessing on to loved ones around you

This was a good book about how vital the parents’ role is in bringing up a child and how any interaction can have lasting impact with a child.  It reminds you that you always have to be mindful of what you say and do around your children.  I was a little concerned that it placed so much emphasis on human parents and thought that the authors were going to leave out the Heavenly Father, but they got around to it towards the end as a hope for those that have missed out on the blessing.  I thought it was an interesting book and got you thinking about the daily interactions that you have with people and how they can have a lasting effect.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Seraph Seal by Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner

The Seraph Seal is a novel about the apocalypse and a view of what could possibly happen.  It follows 9 characters through the end days as catastrophes mount throughout the world and they have to choose sides to determine the out come of the world.  They are given clues to follow that will help them along the way to try and save mankind from destruction.

I enjoyed most of the story and thought that it took an interesting view of what may possibly happen, but it had some issues I couldn’t get past.  Maybe I shouldn’t have read the introduction.   I think that it could have been better had a few more things been either added or taken away.  First, in the introduction, the authors talk about how the reader will play an active role in the final section of the book.  Maybe I missed something, but I just read it.  Second, it talks about using the Alphabet of the Apocalypse section to uncover hidden clues in the book.  Again, maybe I’m just not smart enough, but I didn’t see any.  I think the first parts of the book jumped around too much to really get to know any of the characters, but once they got together it seemed to get better and get a little deeper into their characters.  I guess I just have a lot of questions, most of which I can’t ask without giving things away.

If you want a fast paced story of the apocalypse, this might be an option you, but I would tell you to skip the intro and forget about the Alphabet of the Apocalypse.  I just don’t think they were needed.  I’d go for the Left Behind series instead.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Love Written in Stone: Finding God's Grace in the Boundaries He Sets by Philip Carlson

Based on the title of this book, I was expecting it to be about Levitical laws and how science has validated them, thus showing God's grace.  I was wrong, but I wasn't disappointed in the book. 

I would say that a lot of the book is common sense, but it was a good refresher.  I say that because I think everyone knows that drugs and excessive drinking are bad.  It did included a lot of Biblical backing so it wasn't just his own thoughts and ideas, which I like.  I did enjoy the section on stewardship and how we are to use the resources of the earth but not abuse them.

The best part of the book was the conclusion.  I won't give it all away, but it mentions how we sometimes think too much about what the Bible says, instead of just doing what the Bible says.  Overall I enjoyed the book. 

For disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review from Bethany House.  Thanks.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

The Final Summit, by Andy Andrews, is about a man named David Ponder who has faced some difficult life challenges and finds himself on the brink.  While contemplating his life at the top of a 55- story building, he is informed that he is needed to help find a solution that will save humanity.  He is joined by great leaders from the past to determine what the world now needs.  They have limited time to find the answer and save the world.

I’ve never read a book quite like this one.  I was expecting an interesting story of fiction, which I got.  It is not just fiction as there is an element of the self- help/business leadership genre as well.  It was unlike any book I’ve ever read.  The story was interesting, but at times it felt like it wanted to get away from the story to get into the self-help side.   During these times, it felt like attending a lecture, which might have been due to the setting of the story.  Overall it was interesting to hear about the stories of Travelers,  and the possibility of what they might say to each other, but the book seemed to not know what it wanted to be.  Is it a work of fiction, or a self-help guide.  It didn’t seem to blend together.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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