Rejoice (Women of Faith Worship) [Audio CD]

It's ok.

Per the product description, "REJOICE captures the unbridled joy, awestruck adoration, and reverent worship audiences experience over the course of a two-day Women of Faith event".
I imagine if you've attended one of these events you'll be be more attached or connected to this compilation, than if you haven't like myself.  I must have expected more than what I heard; I guess I expected new/original songs.  The songs are good, but I've heard some before, and they aren't specific to women which I guess I also expected.  I would have also liked to hear more than 10 or so songs.  Perhaps it would be better if these songs were recorded live to capture the energy of one of these events.
I received a free copy of this CD from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Max On Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions by Max Lucado

In this book, Max Lucado answers 172 of the most pressing questions he's received in over 25 years in ministry. He also offers advice on writing and publishing. The book is intended as a resource for those in ministry, as well as new or mature believers.

I enjoy reading Max's works, however perhaps too much ground is attempted to be covered here. I think it may be better to have delved deeper into the answers. I am guessing the intent is to give quick answers and redirect one to God, but I think it may not be enough for the general reader. The more I mature as a Christian, I need deeper discussions in whole biblical truths. Alternatively I did like Max referring to his own personal experiences.

Ultimately I want to say this is more for a new believer, but again I don't even like skipping the whole word of God when ministering to new believers.

Perhaps this is better as a conversation starter in small group discussions that can look deeper in the Bible for full answers. I think that's the only way I would recommend this book.

I received this book for free from Booksneeze and was not required to write a favorable review.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

The Final Summit is actually the sequel of The Traveler's Gift.  Drowning in a depressed mourning over his wife’s death; the archangel, Gabriel, visits David.  It is up to David to save the world.  A time traveler himself, he learns he is not alone, yet it is his calling to lead these other great minds in a race to save humanity.  It’s refreshing and enthralling to follow along with the conversations of these philosophers and legends such as Gabriel, Ann Frank, Ben Franklin, King David, and more.

I have not read The Traveler's Gift but I didn’t notice I was missing any background.  Important to note, in my opinion, is that this is a work of fiction, and should not to be confused with a challenge to one’s religious or spiritual beliefs.  I don’t believe it’s meant to broaden one’s perspective as a Christian.  That said, I really enjoyed the history lessons throughout the book, which were mixed with the fiction.  I felt like I was learning something about the biographies of the famous people encountered, as well as being entertained with a good story.  I don’t remember History class being this interesting.  The Reader’s Guide appendix was also a great point of reference when I needed further clarity.  I definitely recommend this book.  It’s an easy read.  Now I'm going to have to read the first book...

I received a complementary version of this ebook from Booksneeze and was not obligated to write a positive review.

Regret Free Parenting by Catherine Hickem

This book had me at hello, or at least at its title: regret-free.  Motherhood is hard, but this motherhood expert, therapist and Christian shares seven essential principles to do the best job you can.  This book is for mom's who know their purpose in life is to honor their children.  It addresses emotional intelligence, companionship, building trust, having peace, maintaining your position as the parent, the difference between control and intention, and most importantly being God-dependent.  A must-read!

Regret and guilt have been unwanted feelings I've had over the mistakes I've felt I made already in pregnancy and those beginning months of babyhood.  Therefore this title literally jumped off the page at me because its awful being held captive like that and as a Christian you shouldn’t and don’t have to be.  I needed help to be confident moving forward and find my peace, and that’s exactly what this book did for me.  Catherine does a wonderful job of presenting these key principles in an easy to digest and hope inspiring way.  It’s a bonus that these concepts are presented from a Christian perspective.  It’s a very realistic presentation that’s easy to identify and connect with, even with some well-needed, lighthearted humor at times.  It definitely helps open your eyes to potential blind spots when dealing with what really is another human being with free will: your child, not an employee!  I would recommend this book to any mom, especially new moms, who are looking for help, and even those who aren't.

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.”

Same Life, New Story by Jan Silvious

…is a ten-week Bible study for women about, as the title indicates, changing the way you think in order to change the emotional quality of your life.  It uses the stories of the women of the Bible, as well as stories of current day women, to relate to and identify with.  It discusses how it’s up to us to choose how we respond, which affects our state of mind.  This book prompts both individual reflection and group discussion.

This book came to me at a time when I am struggling with a change in my circumstances that I can’t control.  It challenged me to relax on God and look to the big picture with hope.  It reminded me to keep in mind that there is a God who is bigger, and who has a plan for us if we have the right attitude.  It made me think about being stuck in the past, and inspired me to not be controlled by it even though I won’t forget certain things that have happened.  These concepts and others are exemplified in a way that is easy to identify with.  It was just what I needed.  I would recommend this book to others in similar circumstances, especially if you feel overwhelmed or alone.

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.”