"She Laughs: Choosing Faith Over Fear" by Carolanne Miljavac

My review...

I have never read anything by this author, but that will certainly change in the future! This book is so relatable (and funny!) that I had a hard time setting it aside.

The author is very open in sharing her personal stories and experiences, from serious to cringe-inducing. It almost felt like sitting at lunch with a close friend. Miljavac is upfront about her struggles. She’s honest and raw, which is why I’ll recommend this book to many of my friends, particularly those who are looking for some encouragement and struggling with fear. This is one book I’m likely to read again.

There were so many quotes that struck a chord with me. Here are just a few:

• “Once a stronghold of insecurity gets into your head, it is really tough to overcome.”
• “The hardest times in your life set you up for the deepest impact.”
• “Nothing changes if nothing changes.”
• “Fear isn’t going anywhere. But whether it controls you is up to you.”
• “Your ability to laugh is precious. Fight for it.”
• “Living according to other people’s expectations will weaken the purpose for which you’ve been created.”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, but I wasn’t required to leave a review.

Amazon purchase link

"Healing the Soul of a Woman Devotional" by Joyce Meyer

My review...

This is a companion devotional to Meyer's book, Healing the Soul of a Woman. It's designed to guide the reader through ninety devotions and encourage them through the daily obstacles along the way that may be holding them back. 

I read the companion book, and I love devotionals, so I was happy to see this book. Meyer's didn't disappoint. Each entry begins with a Bible verse or quote, followed by a devotional message, and then a "Declare This" statement. Joyce shares her own personal stories and emotional wounds in an open and honest way to show that there are no shortcuts to healing. The author's advice is practical and encouraging.

A wide variety of subjects are dealt with, so there's likely to be something that most readers can relate to in this book. Topics/Titles include: Overcoming the Accuser, You are Free to Be Yourself, Setting Boundaries, Your Journey Is Unique, It's Time to Let Go, A Shame-Free Life, You Are Beloved, Trust God with the Heavy Loads, No Looking Back, and All Things are Possible.

My favorite part was perhaps the "Declare This" section. some empowering messages in this section include:

"I put my trust in God, and He never fails me."

"I will make the most of the special gifts God has given me."

"I will remember to rest my soul, just as I rest my body, as the Holy Spirit leads me."

The compact size makes this convenient to take while traveling, and it'd make a good gift, as well. I was surprised that it didn't contain a ribbon bookmark, but it's still a practical and inviting devotional overall.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

"Chronic Love" by Brooke Bartz ... and a GIVEAWAY! (JustRead blog tour)

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Chronic Love by Brooke Bartz, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Chronic Love: Trusting God While Suffering with A Chronic Illness 

Author: Brooke Bartz  

Publisher: Ambassador International 

Release Date: September 1, 2019  

Genre: Christian Living, Health and Wellbeing

Suffering is inescapable in this world. 

Jesus told us we would face perilous trials and that even our bodies would feel the effects of the Fall. For women dealing with chronic illness, most books offer quick-fix counseling or devotional verses taken out of context, helpful only for momentary encouragement.

For true and lasting comfort we must dig deeper into God's Word and the context in which those much-used passages were written.

In Chronic Love, Brooke Bartz reveals a deeply raw and descriptive account of life with a chronic and debilitating illness, and she shares with readers how comfort and strength can be found through the Truth in God's Word.  

Specifically designed for women who daily battle chronic illness, Chronic Love's goal is to provide solid Scriptural encouragement for the fight.
 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook

EXCERPT

He will carry you. He will wrap his invisible wings around you and rock you, put peace over your war, sing over your fragmented heart, and hold you up as you try to slink down and retreat. He will supernaturally do this through the peace that passes all understanding in Christ. He gives answers to questions in such a way we just don’t understand as humans; yet this kind of help He gives protects our heart and mind.“ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18).

The pain might still be there, but you will find His peace, courage, and strength as you disclose your many prayers and petitions without any fear or trepidation.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Brooke Bartz is a stay-at-home wife and mom who lives daily with a chronic disease, knowing firsthand the daunting, gnawing physical and spiritual pain it causes. Yet disease was not always her close companion; in the years before her diagnosis, she grew up playing sports and earned a full scholarship to play volleyball at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. Not yet a Christian, she transferred colleges and attended an event for an on-campus ministry; as the Lord had planned, she heard the Gospel and He saved her. Soon after and while still in college, she married her childhood crush and began a volleyball coaching career.

Living with rheumatoid arthritis and gastroparesis, Brooke desires for women to know the truth about the God who loves them and is with them each day as they face disease and disability; she shares the Truth of the Bible as their ultimate healing. Brooke’s passion is spurring on the women God leads to her sphere of influence, inspiring their hearts to keep their strength and hope at the foot of the cross, to trust in the Great Shepherd to one day heal them completely in glory, even though for now they are suffering on earth.  

CONNECT WITH BROOKE: Instagram

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GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Chronic Love, a Chronic Love T-shirt, a Chronic Love coffee mug, a copy of Trusting God Even When Life Hurts by Jerry Bridges and the workbook for Trusting God Even When Life Hurts!

Be sure to check out each stop on these tours for more chances to win. Full tour schedule on this tour shown below. Giveaway begins at midnight September 3, 2019 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 10, 2019. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Due to shipping cost, only US mailing addresses valid. 

For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

 

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

"Here, Now" by Kate Merrick

My review...

I’ve never read anything by Merrick before, but I thought this one sounded interesting. I found Merrick’s writing to be relatable, with real-life examples that will resonate with many readers. This book may cause the reader to reflect on their daily life and determine where they need to disconnect in order to engage more fully in other areas. A key reminder is to focus on the moment versus worrying about missing out on something. The author talks frequently in the book about her belief that readers should get rid of social media, as it pulls us in so many directions instead of giving us peace. This concept could be of interest to some readers, but it may not sit as well with others in today’s society, where so many feel the need to be connected all the time (though that’s exactly why some concepts in this book are important). At times, it felt like the author got a bit off-topic before coming back around, making some parts feel like filler information to reach a certain word count. I do think there are some important takeaways in this book, but I was a bit surprised that it didn’t include any reflection questions or journal prompts.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from BookLook Bloggers, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Click here to read the first chapter and see the book trailer.

Amazon purchase link

About the author...

Kate Merrick writes, speaks, and helps plant churches. Although she turned away from social media at one time, you can now find out more and follow her blog at http://kmerrick.com/.

"She Dreams" by Tiffany Bluhm (Read with Audra blog tour) ... and a GIVEAWAY!

Say yes to the dreams God has planted in your heart.

Every woman was born to dream--to live a life of beauty, passion, adventure, and purpose. No matter how big or how small they are, our dreams push us to become women of courage, grace, and grit. God in His goodness breathes new dreams within our hearts and revives the dreams that have died, inviting us to trust Him as we dream impossible dreams that only He can bring to pass—because God not only gives dreams; He fulfills them.

In this six-we study we will look at Moses' journey to live out the God-sized dream given to him, exposing the ancient wisdom and truth God offers for every woman with a dream beating in her heart. With timely truth and encouraging accounts of God's heart and hand in the life of Moses as well is in the lives of ordinary women, author Tiffany Bluhm will dare you to dream the impossible dreams the Lord is stirring in your heart, reclaim and broken dreams, and trust God for the victory. Throughout the study will identify:

• The role of prayer as you grow into your dreams.
• The importance of obedience as you pursue what God has for you.
• Why your dreams are a blessing not only to you but also to others.
• How your failures can be a gift that help your dreams become a reality.
• The life-changing love, power, and wisdom of the Dream Giver.

Get ready to discover the role you are designed and destined to play as you partner with God for the impossible!

In addition to the book, there is a a Bible study guide with leader helps and DVD available.

Links to purchase

Read Chapter 1 for free

My review...

If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration to follow your dreams, then this book is for you!

Bluhm shares her personal stories, including her dreams and fears, and mixes in some Scripture verses and biblical stories to illustrate her points. In doing so, the author has made this book quite relatable to most, if not all, women, as so many put their dreams aside to take on other roles and help those around them reach their goals. Bluhm reminds the reader not to give up on their God-given dreams but to keep the faith and press forward. An associated study guide and DVD are also available.

Some of my favorite quotes are:

·        “Our messy moments aren’t the defining line of our story. They are merely twists in the narrative.”

·        “As we dream God-sized dreams, let’s refuse to be boxed in by labels or cultural norms that do not encourage us to be who God created us to be.”

·        “Knowing your why is critical to the life of your dreams, because without it you may be tempted to give up or give in when the going gets tough.”

·        “…trust that the Lord is still at work in the midst of the changes. Because He is.”

·        “As we pursue our God-sized dreams, it is imperative that we fight the urge to compare our beginning or middle with someone else’s later chapter in the story.”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the Read with Audra blogger program, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

About Tiffany...

Tiffany Bluhm, author of the She Dreams hey book and Bible study, is a speaker and writer who is passionate about helping women come to know their value and purpose because of a loving, redeeming God. In the style that speaks to women right where they are, she shares insights from a life spent chasing after Jesus while walking alongside women from suburbia to the inner-city, jails and brothels, and the slums of Kolkata. She speaks regularly at conferences and events and writes for a number of websites, print publications, and popular blogs, including the YouVersion Bible app, Deeply Rooted Magazine, and ScaryMommy.com. She lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and two sons and blogs at TiffanyBluhm.com.

Learn more at www.SheDreamsBook.com

Where you can find her on social media...

Facebook (@TiffanyABluhm)

Twitter (@TiffanyABluhm)

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Made for This" by Jennie Allen

My review...

I’ve never read anything by this author, but I really liked the description (as well as the cover) of this book, so I was excited to have the chance to review it.

I love that this book is interactive! It’s designed to be used over the course of forty days, and there are passages, scripture verses, and reflection questions/activities for each day. Real stories and Biblical connections are used for each passage. I haven’t completed the book yet, as I’m spending more than a day on each reading/activity. It’s perfect for someone who wants a book that will make them think about their own story along the way.

Lots of people likely wonder about their purpose, and this book is designed to help the reader discover what God wants to accomplish in their life. I wish I’d received this prior to Lent, but it can be done at any time. Allen shares her own journey while encouraging the reader to answer and explore some challenging questions in order to find out their unique purpose. The book is divided into four sections: The Prayer, The Call, The Threads, and The Future. If you’re looking for a book that (may) pull you out of your comfort zone but encourage and inspire you, this is a devotional book to check out.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the HarperCollins BookLook Bloggers program, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

"Exceptional You!" by Victoria Osteen

My review...

I’ve read a number of books by Joel and Victoria Osteen, so I was excited to read Victoria’s latest. I’m always encouraged by them, and this one didn’t disappoint.

Exceptional You focuses on how we see ourselves versus how we should see ourselves: through God’s eyes. To Him, we are anything but ordinary. We’re exceptional and a masterpiece, expertly gifted by Him.

The book is written so you feel that you’re chatting with a friend, sharing stories and encouraging one another. The book is organized into seven sections:

·        Know That You Are Chosen

·        Lift Up Your Eyes

·        Keep Your Memory Box Full

·        Travel Light

·        Love Well

·        Live in the Now

·        Power Up

Each chapter ends with bullet points (“Exceptional Thoughts”) highlighting key items from the chapter. Personal stories, Biblical examples, and Scripture verses are woven throughout. Overall, it provides the reader with a lot of food for thought. I have numerous notes that I’ll return to when I need a dose of encouragement, as there are so many solid nuggets of truths in this book, many of which remind the reader that words have power.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

·        “Where you’re going is much more important than where you’ve been.”

·        “You cannot undo your past, but you can do something about your present.”

·        “Don’t let your own voice of doubt drown out the voice of God.”

·        “Take your worry list and make it your prayer list.”

·        “You have something to offer that no one else can give.”

·        “The happiest people are those who appreciate the blessings in their lives and don’t underestimate their value.”

·         “Life is fragile. Find reasons to be grateful. They are always there is you look for them.”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

About Victoria...

Victoria Osteen is the co-pastor of Lakewood Church, the New York Times bestselling author of Love Your Life, and the host of a national weekly radio program, Victoria Osteen Live, on Sirius XM's Joel Osteen Radio. She is an integral part of each service at Lakewood as well as the "Night of Hope" events across the U.S. and abroad. She lives with her family in Houston, Texas.

"Into the Deep" by Lauren Gaskil (Read with Audra blog tour)

Q&A with Lauren...

Q: What inspired you to write your new book, Into the Deep: Diving into a Life of Courageous Faith?

A:  I should have drowned years ago. When the waves of anxiety, depression and chronic pain came crashing over me, the “faith” I’d been raised to practice couldn’t keep my head above the waves. But I didn’t drown. I’m still here. Because by God’s grace, in the undertow I discovered a deep faith in Jesus that saved me from sinking into the depths and catapulted me straight into His rescuing arms. He saved me from drowning, and my hope in writing this book is that He might use my story to help save others who feel like they are drowning too.

Q: When did you first experience bouts of anxiety? What were some of the situations that brought on the feelings of anxiousness?

 A:  I started experiencing anxiety in high school, after a traumatic event triggered panic attacks.

Q: You are very open about your struggle with chronic pain and the recurrent anxiety and depression that come along with it. How did your physical issues cause you to lose faith? Tell us about how you’ve learned to overcome these challenges.

A:  Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos is a nasty disorder — I truly wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. One day, you can wake up feeling like you’ve been hit by a bag of bricks or two semis. Other days, you can’t move without being in pain or risking injury from loose joints making bones pop out everywhere. Having unstable joints means arthritic pain is a constant companion and makes it hard to do “normal” tasks like lifting bags, exercising or evening cutting vegetables for dinner some days. These difficult physical challenges made it hard to keep faith in the beginning because I didn’t understand why God wasn’t healing me. When I finally opened my heart to the possibility of healing, bad turned to worst, and it made me question everything I believed in. After years of diving deeper with Jesus, at the end of the day, no matter what pain I experience, I know in the deepest parts of my soul that I will be OK. Not because of who I am, but because of who God is. He is a good, good Father. He is always with us and always for us, just like His Word says He is. He cannot not be faithful and His Spirit — the very hope of Christ — lives in me. When I think about all of those things, I find everything I need to overcome because the Jesus in me is stronger than the waves of darkness that try to overtake me. In Him, I have nothing to fear.

Q: After college, you sought out the help of a Christian counselor. What did you learn about the connection between your struggles with your faith alongside your battles with anxiety and depression?

A:  I learned that God wasn’t punishing me with anxiety and depression, instead, He was allowing it as an opportunity to deepen my relationship with Him. I also learned that having anxiety and depression didn’t make me any less of a Christian, it just meant I had different areas I had to learn to trust God with. In this case, that involved areas of mental health.

Q: One of the chapters is entitled “Six Things You Need to Know.” What are the six things you want to make sure readers will take away from this chapter?

A:  I believe words have immeasurable power. That’s why I’m a writer. That’s why I strive to think long and hard about the words I choose before I write or say them. That’s why I fight daily to speak life, love, hope, and truth over myself in order to drown out the cruel, untruthful things others have spoken over me. Words are powerful no matter what we are going through, but they are even more powerful when our faith is tested. I wish I could forget some of the things people said to me when the waves of life came crashing in. “You’re never going to get over this,” they told me. “This is going to haunt you for the rest of your life.” Or my personal favorite, “Do you have unresolved sin in your life? Maybe God is punishing you for something.” When we feel like we are drowning, we are susceptible to believing the lies and hurtful things we hear from the outside world. What I want women to know more than anything, is that in their hurt:

1.      God is not punishing you.

2.      You are not alone.

3.      You are going to be OK

4.      Darkness does not define.

5.      You were made for the deep.

6.      God’s love will carry you.

Q: The book ends with a series of stories about warriors of the deep. What can women learn from these stories? What makes a woman a warrior?

A: This is one of my favorite chapters of the book. There is nothing more powerful and inspiring than a testimony! These women are warriors because they chose to give God a chance and take Him at His Word. Every day, they choose to place their past, present and future into His hands, and because of that choice, their deep despair has been replaced with a deep faith and faith to overcome anything that comes their way. They are warriors because they have learned to let go and let God. And that? That is true faith.

My review...

Gaskill has written a book that shows how her faith struggled through anxiety and chronic illness. It also shows how she developed a courageous faith to "swim" through those deep waters. The purpose is to help the reader learn to exchange their fears for courage, too.

Numerous personal stories are shared in the book, along with scripture verses and reflective questions to "Go Deeper." The author is genuine and transparent, which will likely make this book relatable to many readers, as everyone will face deep waters at some point. Gaskill outlines practical strategies, along with examples, to help the reader when they feel they are drowning by reminding them that Jesus is there to be their lifeline.

Some of my favorite quotes include:

• "When we fight for and step into faith, God's Word and His promises begin to unfold in our lives."
• "Beloved, you were not meant to live a life crippled by fear."
• "Faith is our compass in the deep."
• "The secret to surrender is trust."
• "Faith is not the absence of fear but the presence of courage."

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher as part of the Read with Audra blog tour program. I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

Excerpt from chapter one


About Lauren...

Lauren Gaskill is an author, speaker and host of the Finding Joy podcast and Finding Joy Ladies Night Out events. After being diagnosed with an incurable connective tissue disorder, Lauren made it her life mission to encourage others to fight for faith and find joy — no matter what life’s circumstances might bring.

Gaskill is a storyteller who believes stories are powerful and loves how God uses them for His good. She writes and speaks to motivate and inspire others to experience abundant life in Christ. She is particularly passionate about encouraging women to fight for faith and go deeper in their relationship with Jesus. Gaskill also writes and speaks about what it looks like to walk with Jesus through pain and suffering.

She lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Where you can find Lauren online...

website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

"The Sparkle Effect" by Kristen Dalton Wolfe

My review...

#SponsoredbyFaithWords

The authentic narrative and relatable struggles will likely strike a chord with many women, particularly those who have felt discouraged or insecure at one time or another. The author is honest and open about her struggles with depression, weight issues, and dyslexia. The goal of this book is to help the reader discover their true identity, as Kristen Dalton Wolfe did.

The chapters address a number of topics, such as style, beauty, resilience, focus, wisdom, purity, forgiveness, and self-worth. One of the chapters start with a quote pertaining to the topic, and each chapter ends with a prayer and “wonder words” (relevant Bible verses for the chapter). In the Afterword, the author reminds the reader what they became when they were adopted and married into the Royal Family, which includes a new creature, a temple of God, a royal priestess, and a sparkle.

There are a number of positive points made in this book. However, at times, I felt that things were a bit too focused on encouraging the reader to enhance or focus on their looks, which seem to contradict the message of embracing your God-given beauty.

Some of my favorite quotes:

·        “Jesus is an identity transformer.”

·        “When we are in control, God isn’t.”

·        “Losing is an opportunity to grow in character and skill.”

·        “We can’t control everything, but we can decide how you will respond.”

·        “…focus on what God is giving, instead of what you’re lacking.”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

"Pull It Off" by Julianna Zobrist

My review...

#SponsoredbyFaithWords

Julianna Zobrist addresses the thought we all have at one time or another: I could never pull that off! Zobrist goes on to show in her book that, yes, you can!

I didn’t know much about Zobrist before reading this book, other than the fact that her husband is Ben Zobrist. Julianna’s personality shines through in this book. She’s vulnerable, funny, and relatable. She wants to help the reader gain confidence to face their fears.

The book is divided into three parts: authority, identity, and security, and she presents ways to address these root issues where our fears stem from, and that involves leaning into our God-given gifts. Her message is one that can be life changing, if taken to heart. For instance, she reminds the reader that their identity is found in God, not their success or image. It is possible to retrain your mind. So, go ahead and embrace your uniqueness!

Some of my favorite quotes:

·        “Courage is recognizing our weaknesses and simultaneously recognizing that God approves us amidst these weaknesses.”

·        “Investing in yourself happens when you decide that it is worth it!”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

"Healing the Soul of a Woman" by Joyce Meyer

My review...

#SponsoredbyFaithWords

Meyer’s latest release is a follow-up to the popular book, Beauty for Ashes. The author focuses on emotional healing from past hurts and the redeeming love of Christ. She helps the reader discover how to love and trust again. Meyer’s speaks from experience, and she shares personal stories (including abuse) throughout the book. Biblical wisdom, Scripture verses, and inspiring quotes reinforce her points. She offers practical advice on areas such as: guilt and shame, self-pity, the healthy soul, standing up for yourself, and establishing boundaries. Learning to trust God is key in healing.

The book begins with a history of women. It then goes on to uncover the lies Satan uses to bind us to our past pains. The book ends with an informative appendix (including one that reminds the reader who they are in Christ) and a journaling section.

Some of my favorite quotes include:

·        “God’s Word is medicine for your wounded soul.”

·        “We all crave acceptance, but the greatest need we have is to accept our unique selves.”

·        “We cannot change the way things were, but we can go forward and never look back.”

·        “It is what you believe about yourself that really matters.”

·        “The best kind of life is only found in God because He is life, and the life that we call ours is a gift from Him.”

·         

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

"More than These" Blog Blitz ... and a GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to the More Than These blog blitz and giveaway, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: More Than These
Author: June Kimmel
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: May 11, 2018
Genre: Christian, NonFiction, Women's Issues

More Than These: A Woman's Love for God addresses the question that every woman who desires to walk with God must face. How can a woman love God as she should and keep the rest of her life in its proper place? Innumerable responsibilities fill her life and seek to take control of her time, energy, and focus. In spite of her best intentions, these worthy concerns can slip into a place of prominence in her heart-a place only God deserves. These people and situations that capture her love can quickly become idols when priorities go unchecked.

More Than These: A Woman's Love for God addresses the issue of a woman's love for God. Each chapter considers a different aspect of a woman's life that can become an idol-family, friends, possessions, fears, accomplishments, etc. More Than These: A Woman's Love for God clearly presents biblical truths and personal illustrations to teach why a woman must surrender these areas to the Lord for Him to remain her ultimate love.

Women are searching for the secret to balancing their lives. More Than These: A Woman's Love for God declares that loving God supremely is the answer.

PURCHASE A COPY: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

EXCERPT

Total trust leads to total commitment that brings Him glory in everything we do every moment of every day. Complete commitment will change how we wipe runny noses, do the laundry, answer the phone, or carry out our responsibilities at work. God deserves and desires our total unreserved surrender. It is easy to piously say, “Lord, I love you and I’m serving you,” and then continue to control the rest of our lives without a thought to include Him. Struggles come when we let people, things, or responsibilities take our focus off of God. No matter what the distraction, keeping Him first is essential. Many times pride overtakes our heart as we compare our spirituality with that of someone else.

Anything we love more than God is an idol that must be dethroned. This superlative love requires a daily surrender to the Lord for Him to remove the idols from our hearts.

 (from pg. 28-29 of More Than These by June Kimmel)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

June Kimmel is a pastor’s wife, author, mother of three, and grandmother of seven! She and her husband have been in ministry for over forty years. June’s greatest joy is teaching God’s Word to ladies of all ages and walks of life. She regularly speaks at ladies’ conferences and retreats, educators conferences, and other special events in the United States and internationally. Through their ministry, Training the Nations, June and her husband are training pastors, their wives, and Christian educators around the world.  

CONNECT WITH AUTHOR: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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GIVEAWAY

Ambassador International is giving away:  

Grand Prize: (1) print copy of More Than These (US Only)  
PLUS 5 more winners will receive an ebook copy of More Than These (open internationally, except where prohibited by law)

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 12, 2018 and last through 11:59pm May 19, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

LAUNCH @ JustRead

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"In Bloom" by Kayla Aimee

My review...

Have you ever struggled with insecurity, fear, felt you were less than enough, or wasted too much time comparing yourself to other? If you can say “yes” to any of these, then this is a book to add to your TBR (to-be-read) pile.

Aimee’s latest contains numerous personal stories in an honest, transparent way. She discusses her struggles with insecurity and finding her identity in Christ, and she wants to help the reader do the same. Various areas are addressed, including our bodies, our gifts, our relationships, and our pasts. The reader will likely find at least one area relatable. Aimee’s writing style is very conversational, and it often feels like she’s speaking right to you (and that she has been spying on you, as well!). Appropriate scripture verses are referenced throughout. Despite the seriousness of the topic, there are a number of humorous scenes. There is a study guide included for individual or small group study, along with links to download journaling pages, scripture affirmations, and more. This book would be appropriate for women of all ages, including teens, as self-doubt and insecurity can occur at any age.

Some of my favorite quotes are:

• “Because regardless of our age, we all just want to fit in.”
• “We all just want someone to tell us we matter.”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the B&H Blogger Program/Launch Team, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

"I Want it All" by Gwen Smith

My Review...

If you are looking for a book that is relatable and designed to help you see yourself as God designed you to be, then this book is for you. Smith is warm and encouraging as she shares her transparent stories in this book, which is broken down into three parts: All the Faith, All the Power, and All the Impact. Everyone wants a wonderful life, but it is sometimes difficult to see how that can occur with the messiness that happens daily. Many people struggle with over-commitment, making it difficult to leave room for God’s unique plan for each of us. Smith’s book reminds the reader that no one is too far gone for God’s grace, which changes everything.

Smith points out the trials happen to everyone. The difference is in how we choose to respond. Trials can actually help us prioritize and provide opportunities for God to show His strength. This book demonstrates that it is still possible to have a strong faith in the midst of conflict and fear. Acronyms such as KNEEL (Know Him; Notify my heart, my enemy, and my girlfriends; Express the mess; Exchange my will for God’s will; Expand my heart and worship; Learn the word) and REST (Reflect, Engage, Surrender, Trust) help solidify her message. She points out that “Worrying might be your natural response, but it doesn’t have to be your chosen response.”

Each chapter ends with a reflection and response section which includes opportunities for the reader to interact with Smith on social media. She states, “You and I were born for greatness…for eternal greatness: to know God and showcase God.” This would be a great book to use for personal or group study or for anyone wanting a deeper walk with Jesus.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the publisher as part of the Litfuse Blogger program in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive any compensation for my review.

Link for purchase...

http://bit.ly/1oDu9W9

About Gwen...

My goal is to encourage you to think big thoughts about God by pointing you to His truth and grace through stories, songs, and Scripture. Without hesitation; I am an unashamed, imperfect worshiper of Jesus Christ. His goodness covers my mess and purposes my days to live out the hope of the Gospel. It is my joy and passion to inspire women to live fully in Christ. How? I speak. I sing. I write books, devotions, and songs. I worship. I post, pin, and Tweet. I am intensely in love with the Word of God and believe, wholeheartedly, that the Bible is divinely inspired truth.

Formal me…

I am the author of Broken into Beautiful (Harvest House Publishing), co-author of Trusting God and Knowing God by Name (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing), and just published I Want it All (David C. Cook Publishing). I am one of three co-founders of Girlfriends in God, a conference and devotional ministry with more than 800,000 subscribers from all across the world. I speak, lead worship, and perform concerts for thousands of people annually at Christian women's events and churches. Over the years, I've shared the ministry platform with tons of "big names," but none close to the name of JESUS :-)

I have new songs coming out soon that were written to coordinate with my new book, I Want it All, and I'm giddy excited about them. I was a staff songwriter and worship artist for Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing from 2008 to 2011, have written freelance for LifeWay and Lillenas Publishing, and am now writing for Audio 31 Music, in collaboration with Sunday Best Music out of Nashville, Tennessee.

I have shared my testimony, stories, and songs on such TV shows as Life Today with James and Betty Robison, The 700 Club, The Harvest Show, The Good Life, The HomeKeepers Show, and Atlanta Live. Additionally, I've also been featured on many radio programs.

Not-so-formal Me…

I am a carpooling, coffee-craving, dark chocolate lover who struggles like many with dirty dishes, messy piles, mountains of laundry, complicated relationships, and cellulite. I play guitar and live to lose myself in worship at the piano. Volleyball is my sport of choice. Love. That. Game.

My family rocks my world. They are my first ministry priority. I've been married to Brad, my hunky college honey, for 22 years now. We have three cool kids, all teens, who keep us on our toes and on our knees. On most days, after homework has been done, we can be found on a court, at a field, or in a gym somewhere in the greater Charlotte area. We live in sunny North Carolina and are members of Life Fellowship Church where I serve as a worship leader, occasionally teach an adult Sunday School class, and where my husband serves as an elder.

Where to find Gwen online…

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic
Twitter      @GwenSmithMusic