From Good to Grace: Letting Go of the Goodness Gospel by Christine Hoover

From Good to Grace: Letting Go of the Goodness Gospel

by Christine Hoover

My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

God is calling you to something greater than good.
So many of us feel as if we do not do enough and, in fact, are not enough. We try hard to be good--a good friend, mom, wife, Christian, employee, or ministry leader--hoping for that "atta-girl" from God, some heavenly assertion that we matter. In the process, we find ourselves living by a lesser gospel: the gospel of goodness. It's a gospel without grace, and in the end, it's good for nothing.

With compelling illustrations from her own life and from Scripture, Christine Hoover helps you start asking, "What does God want for me?" before asking, "What does God want fromme?" You'll find yourself breathing a sigh of relief at this powerful message of freedom and hope. Rather than serving God out of obligation or duty, you'll be compelled to love and serve God with great joy.

This was the second book by Christine Hoover that I have read and it did not disappoint!  The world today tells us that we need to be and do "good" to earn favor with God.  This is simply not true.  Christine Hoover shares the truth of the grace of God and how we don't need to beat ourselves up to be "good enough."  We are not, nor will we ever be, perfect.  So we don't need to spend our lives trying to get there.  All we need is God's grace.  Even when we aren't trying to live the perfect life, we subconsciously seek perfection.  This is a great book that will cause you to take a step back and evaluate your life.  Do you seek perfectionism?  Or do you seek the only One who is?  

"At an early age, I fell for perfectionism’s lie that I could be good enough to win God’s heart and the approval of others. I sought joy, peace, and love through being good, and instead found myself miserably enslaved to my own unattainable standards."  - Christine Hoover, From Good to Grace

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A Journey in Eschatology by Richard Belcher

A Journey in Eschatology

by Richard Belcher

My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

A theological novel, which examines in the course of the story, the various perspectives regarding the second coming of Jesus.

This book is the 7th book in the Journey Series by Richard Belcher.  All of the books in this series are theological journey books.  He weaves the story of Ira Pointer with various theological journeys that Ira takes.  The stories have all been interesting and relevant, and the theological notes have been well researched and informative.  This book, however, was a bit different for me.  I do not have much knowledge on eschatology (study of the end times) and I found the notes in this book to be rather confusing.  However, I don't attribute that to Belcher's writing - I think it's more based on my lack of knowledge on the topic!  I did enjoy the story line in this book, just like the previous 6 books.  There was a major plot twist at the end of this book that I was not expecting!  I do wish there was more of a resolve between some of the characters in the story that Belcher spent so much time building up throughout the book, but I can get past that.  Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series!

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How Then Shall We Worship by R.C. Sproul

How Then Shall We Worship

by R.C. Sproul

My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Dr. R.C. Sproul is one of today’s preeminent theologians. For more than fifty years his solid, practical messages have impacted and inspired generations of believers. The “Classic Theology Series” continues Dr. Sproul’s legacy.

How Then Shall We Worship? is a landmark look at God’s design for authentic worship. Today’s church cannot seem to agree on what corporate worship should look like. Some choose contemporary forms, others prefer traditional expressions. Yet pop culture or the status quo do not hold the answers. God’s Word does. Dr. Sproul digs deep into rich Scripture passages to provide a guide for worship today.

Readers will discover that God intends worship to be an unforgettable encounter between Himself and His people—a joyous experience engaging the worshiper’s entire being.

R.C. Sproul set out on a journey to tackle a very controversial issue in the church today.  He addresses various forms of worship in this book (communion, baptism, etc.).  He did a great job of tackling big issues and pulling the Bible verses that address each topic and making them reachable for the average reader.  He even address the issue of baptism from both perspectives, which was nice...especially being someone who disagrees with his stance on baptism.  Reading through this book, I sadly was made aware of so many areas of worship in the church today that aren't being doing the way God intended them to be done, which is very sad.  This book would be a great read for pastors, worship leaders, and the average Christian.  Anybody will be able to glean things from this book that will be important to their understanding of true worship.  At the end of the book, there was even a study guide that would be great for a small group study.  The only complaint I have is that I would have liked some of the aspects of worship to have been discussed a little more in depth.  But overall, this was a very concise and to the point book.  I highly recommend it to everyone!

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Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury

Angels Walking

by Karen Kingsbury

My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

When former national baseball star Tyler Ames suffers a career-ending injury, all he can think about is putting his life back together the way it was before. He has lost everyone he loves on his way to the big leagues. Then just when things seem to be turning around, Tyler hits rock bottom. Across the country, Tyler’s one true love Sami Dawson has moved on. 

A series of small miracles leads Tyler to a maintenance job at a retirement home and a friendship with Virginia Hutcheson, an old woman with Alzheimer’s who strangely might have the answers he so desperately seeks.

A team of Angels Walking take on the mission to restore hope for Tyler, Sami, and Virginia. Can such small and seemingly insignificant actions of the unseen bring healing and redemption? And can the words of a stranger rekindle lost love? Every journey begins with a step.

It is time for the mission to begin…

Karen Kingsbury has been one of my favorite Christian fiction authors for a while.  She writes what she calls "Life Changing Fiction."  I've loved her stories and the characters within each story.  Her characters are always relatable and enjoyable to read about.  However, as much as I love her stories, I struggle with her theology throughout each book.  This book was no exception.  I don't necessarily agree with her view of angels throughout the book and she had some statements throughout the book that seemed off to me.  For example, at the end of the book, the angels talked about not wanting to take any glory from God, but all throughout the story, the angels were center stage.  God was mentioned, but was minimal.  That statement was right, but it wasn't backed up in the story.  But she writes fiction, so why does this matter, you ask?  Well, a lot of what we read and hear will stick with us easily.  When we hear a song we really like, we'll sing it over and over in our heads and it'll stick with us.  The same will happen in a book.  If you read a book that you loved, especially one where the emotional appeal jumps out and grabs you, then you'll be more likely to remember that book well.  And if what is in the book is not the 100% truth, then we are remembering wrong things.  Which is not good.  With some of the comments she makes and some of the positions she writes about, I just don't feel that these are what the everyday person should be reading.  Someone whose discernment is good should be able to get by reading this, because they'll be able to pick out the false things and discard those thoughts.  I'll continue to read her books because I love her stories, but I have to make sure I'm super careful not to read and accept false truth.

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Sing by Keith & Kristyn Getty

Sing

by Keith & Kristyn Getty

My Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Sing! has grown from Keith and Kristyn Getty’s passion for congregational singing; it’s been formed by their traveling and playing and listening and discussing and learning and teaching all over the world. 

And in writing it, they have five key aims: 

• to discover why we sing and the overwhelming joy and holy privilege that comes with singing
• to consider how singing impacts our hearts and minds and all of our lives
• to cultivate a culture of family singing in our daily home life
• to equip our churches for wholeheartedly singing to the Lord and one another as an expression of unity
• to inspire us to see congregational singing as a radical witness to the world

They have also added a few “bonus tracks” at the end with some more practical suggestions for different groups who are more deeply involved with church singing.

God intends for this compelling vision of His people singing—a people joyfully joining together in song with brothers and sisters around the world and around his heavenly throne—to include you. He wants you, he wants us, to sing.

This was probably one of my favorite books of the year. Keith and Kristyn Getty are my favorite hymn writers of the day and their music is a beautiful testimony to God's grace and forgiveness in a sin-cursed and broken world. I wasn't sure what this book was going to be like, and who the audience of the book was. But what I found was excellent theology wrapped up in how churches must spend time singing together. While this book was likely written with the pastor or worship leader in mind, the average person will glean so much from the pages of this book. We don't sing because we have to. We sing because we've been given that gift by God who we should want to thank with joyful praises of thankfulness. Many people think they "can't sing," and therefore don't. One of my favorite quotes from this book is, "The truth is that God designed you to sing and gave you everything you need to sing, as well as He wants you to. He's far less concerned with your tunefulness than your integrity. Christian singing begins with the heart, not the lips." This is a book that I will go back to constantly. I couldn't put it down the first time I read through the book, and I'm so excited to dive back in and really dig into the truths that they shared!

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All of Grace

All of Grace

by Charles Spurgeon

My Rating: 5 stars out of 5

In All of Grace, C.H. Spurgeon outlines the plan of salvation in such clear, simple language that everyone can understand and be drawn to the Father.  Any attempt to please God based upon our own works brings self-righteousness and coldness of heart.  It is the free grace and mercy of God that makes the heart glow with warmth and thankfulness of God's love.

The heartfelt goal of this dynamic classic is summed up in Spurgeon's final cry to the reader, "Meet me in heaven!"

"Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." -- Revelation 22:17

Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers, is one of the greatest preachers of all time.  And this book is proof of that statement.  Written to everyone, believers and unbelievers alike, All of Grace is decidedly evangelistic.  The charge to unbelievers in this book is to repent and believe.  For both the believer and the unbeliever reader, the evidence of the work of God's grace in our lives throughout this book is amazing.  By directly addressing the reader throughout the book, it takes on a very personal tone.  No matter who you are, or what your beliefs, this is a book you need to read.  

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The Girl at the Bar

The Girl at the Bar

by Nicholas Nash

**This book releases on February 1, 2017** 

My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Rebecca, a brilliant cancer researcher, disappears after a one-night stand with a neurotic man with a questionable past.  

Her sudden disappearance in the midst of a high-stakes quest to cure cancer between two rival billionaires sets into motion an inexplicable chain of events as the bodies start to pile up.  

No one knows why she disappeared.  The race to find answers ensures everyone around her, one of whom is a deeply disturbed psychopath lurking in the shadows.  

Is Rebecca still alive?  What happened to her?  Who did it?  And why?  Questions about her vex everyone looking for answers.  No one can be trusted and no one is above suspicion.

I was given a pre-release copy of The Girl at the Bar in exchange for my honest review.  This book is one of my favorite books in recent times that I have read.  This book did an excellent job of keeping me on my toes until the very last page!  Nicholas Nash is a wonderful author and a great storyteller.  He was able to develop the characters in such a way that I was never able to figure out who the 'mystery character' was.  Every single time I *thought* I knew who it was, I was quickly proven wrong.  There were so many twists and turns, and I was captivated the entire time I read the story!  Also, there was clearly a lot of research dealing with cancer research that went into the writing of this book.  I learned so much that I never knew and I loved that aspect of the book!  Overall, I would highly recommend this book!

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2017 Reading Challenge | #vtReadingChallenge

Tim Challies, one of my favorite Christian bloggers, is hosting a reading challenge for the second year in a row.  In an effort to challenge myself with what I read this year, I've decided to participate in the 2017 Reading Challenge that Visual Theology and Tim Challies have developed.  You can read more about the challenge on his blog.  Click here for that post. 

You begin by setting a goal at the beginning of the year, and then progress through the levels as you finish each one.  However, I'm not going to set a 'goal' for myself.  Obviously, I want to get as far along in this challenge as I can, so I'm just going to start working on the "Light" level and then see how far I can progress throughout the year.  The image below shows the different levels and categories that are to be read for this year's challenge.  You can also download the image in full size on Tim's blog, which is linked above.

The following list is what I'm thinking I might read for the "Light" section of the challenge.  These titles may change, based on new books I discover, or topics I'm feeling compelled to read at a certain time of the year.  However, these books are the ones I'm thinking I'll read to start off the challenge.  As I finish the "Light" section and move onto the next section, I'll post another update on the blog with the titles I hope to read.

The Light Reader

A biography - Jonathan Edwards by Helen Hosier

A classic novel - A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A book about history - The Reformation by Stephen Nichols

A book targeted at your gender - The Gospel Centered Woman by Wendy Alsup

A book about theology - Putting Amazing Back into Grace by Michael Horton

A book with at least 400 pages - Foundations of Grace by Steven Lawson

A book your pastor recommends - Tactics by Gregory Koukl

A book about christian living - Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper

A book more than 100 years old - All of Grace by Charles Spurgeon

A book published in 2017 - Between Heaven and the Real World by Steven Curtis Chapman

A book for children or teens - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

A book of your choice - None Like Him by Jen Wilkin

A book about a current issue - Abortion by R.C. Sproul

Have you read any of these books?  What are your thoughts on my current selection of books, and on the reading challenge in general?  Will you be participating in this, or any other reading challenge this year?  I'd love to hear your thoughts and plans!  Have a you tried reading plans in the past?  How have they worked for you?

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What I Read in 2016

When a new year begins, I love to look back at the year before and remember all the memories and experiences that the year brought.  Among the things I love to look back on from the prior year is the books that I read.  In 2016, I read a total of 51 books.  For 2017, I've set my goal at reading 55 books.  Below, I have the sorted by type (Christian, fiction, and nonfiction) and the ratings that I gave each book.  There are some really great reads here...if you are looking for something to read!  Each book is linked to its page on Goodreads - which is one of my favorite websites!  I use Goodreads to track the books I read, find new books I want to read, and link to authors and other readers who enjoy similar genres.  It's worth checking out if you love to read!

I Am a Church Member by Thom Rainer

4 out of 5 stars

Bitesize Theology by Peter Jeffrey

4 out of 5 stars

The Story

4 out of 5 stars

Journey into God's Word by J. Scott Duvall

4 out of 5 stars

Killing Calvinism by Greg Dutcher

4 out of 5 stars

Five Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Quit by Nikki Koziarz

4 out of 5 stars

Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKerust

3 out of 5 stars

Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin

5 out of 5 stars

The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul

5 out of 5 stars

AHA: The God Moment That Changes Everything by Kyle Idleman

5 out of 5 stars

God's At War: Defeating the Idols that Battle for Your Heart by Kyle Idleman

5 out of 5 stars

Steadfast Love by Lauren Chandler

5 out of 5 stars

Seasons of Waiting by Betsy Childs Howard

5 out of 5 stars

Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliott

4 out of 5 stars

God's Good Design: What the Bible Really Says About Men and Women by Claire Smith

5 out of 5 stars

Faith Works: A Study on James by Jen Wilkin

5 out of 5 stars

The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a  Covetous World by Melissa B. Kruger

5 out of 5 stars

Word Filled Woman's Ministry by Gloria Furman

5 out of 5 stars

Found: God's Will by John Macarthur

3 out of 5 stars

High Definition Commentary: James by Stephen Runge

5 out of 5 stars

Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin

4 out of 5 stars

The Chance by Karen Kingsbury

5 out of 5 stars

Bungalow 2 by Danielle Steele

3 out of 5 stars

One Dangerous Lady by Jane Stanton Hitchcock

3 out of 5 stars

The Crown by Kiera Cass

5 out of 5 stars

The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

5 out of 5 stars

Season of the Machete by James Patterson

2 out of 5 stars

Save the Date by Mary Kay Andrews

4 out of 5 stars

Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

4 out of 5 stars

Captiva Island by Kathy Lee Sumner

4 out of 5 stars

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

3 out of 5 stars

Porch Lights by Dorothea Benton Frank

3 out of 5 stars

First Sight by Danielle Steele

4 out of 5 stars

Melt With You by Jessie Evans

2 out of 5 stars

The Beginning by Karen Kingsbury

4 out of 5 stars

Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

4 out of 5 stars

Shopaholic to the Stars by Sophie Kinsella

3 out of 5 stars

The Vacationers by Emma Straub

2 out of 5 stars

Shopaholic to the Rescue by Sophie Kinsella

3 out of 5 stars

Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight

4 out of 5 stars

Black Lake by Johanna Lake

4 out of 5 stars

Blueprints by Barbara Delinksy

2 out of 5 stars

All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda

4 out of 5 stars

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

5 out of 5 stars

The Perfect Girl by Gilly Macmillan

2 out of 5 stars

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

4 out of 5 stars

Look Again by Lisa Scottoline

4 out of 5 stars

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

5 out of 5 stars

Nothing Like Love by Abigail Strom

2 out of 5 stars

The Girl at the Bar by Nicholas Nash

4 out of 5 stars

Unplanned by Abby Johnson

5 out of 5 stars

As you can see, there is a wide variety of books listed here.  And if you are looking for some recommendations, here is what I would suggest from what I read in 2016.  If you are looking for a Christian title, Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin would be my top pick, and The Envy of Eve by Melissa Kruger and AHA by Kyle Idleman would be close seconds.  In the fiction category, I would highly recommend The Girl at the Bar by Nicholas Nash.  This book does not release until February 1 (I had the opportunity to read a prerelease copy of the book), so I would definitely put this on your reading wishlist.  Besides that book, Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult and The Woman in Cabin 10 were some of my absolute favorites as well.

One of the things that I love about using Goodreads is the ability to track the books I read, and keep on pace with goal I've set for myself for the year.  This year, my goal is 55 books, which is slightly over what I read in 2016, but if I stay intentional about my reading, completing 55 books this year shouldn't be too hard to accomplish.  You can read more on being intentional about my reading in my post from yesterday.  

How many books did you read in 2016?  What was your favorite book of the year?  Have you set a reading goal for the new year?

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Skipping a Beat by Sarah Pekkanen

Skipping a Beat by Sarah Pekkanen

Goodreads Rating: 3.73/5

My Rating: 4/5

Goodreads Synopsis

Let me start off by saying that I almost rated this book a five out of five stars.  The only reason I didn't, was because I found the beginning to be kind of slow and I almost put the book down once or twice.  I'm so glad that I didn't, however!  This turned out to be a fabulous read and I'm so happy that I stuck with it to the end!

The story starts off with a couple (Julia and Michael) who were high school sweethearts.  They started at the 'bottom of society' and worked their way up to living a fabulous world that only the rich and famous enjoy, thanks to his multi-million dollar idea.  Soon, Michael suffers a heart attack and a near death experience...and it changes his life in many ways.  He has a new outlook on life...and it's one that his wife isn't to happy about.  This story is an emotional journey to the very end of the book.

Sarah Pekkanen did a fabulous job of weaving scandal and secrets throughout the story.  It's definitely a must read that you need to add to your bookshelf!

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A Book {Series} Recommendation

It's not secret I love to read.  In fact, this past Saturday, I read an entire book...yep...I think I laid on the couch all. day. long to finish that thing!  But that's what happens when you find an excellent book you just don't want to put down.  Before that, we were on vacation, and I finished off 5...yes, FIVE...books that week (and a half).  I use Goodreads religiously to mark books I'm reading, have read, and want to read.  So let's make sure we follow each other on there to see what's good to read!

I'm here today to share a series with you that I'm totally LOVING!  In fact, the second book of this series is the book I read this past Saturday.  all day long.  while lounging on the couch!

Kiera Cass has written The Selection series.  It's a five book series, with a few novellas here and there, about a world where the prince is looking for a wife, and there's a "bachelor-esque" type selection to choose his future wife.  It's totally unexpected and super fun!  I'm currently finishing up the third book in the series!

I don't want to give you too many hints into the books - because I want you to read it...but here's the Goodreads synopsis to the first book, The Selection.

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

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St. Barts by Emme Cross

 3.96/5 Stars

5/5 Stars


Sunny O’Hara hopes to call the tiny slice of France her new home. Her parents met and fell in love on the Caribbean island, but she and her dad left after her mother’s death. Sunny is back on St. Barts hoping to build rental villas on some family land and finally have a social life after nursing her father until his death. Sunny hasn’t dated and sometimes feels as though she’s wearing a scarlet “V” on her chest.
     Enter Sven Larsen, a Hollywood bad boy, a movie star in the making. He’s on St. Barts for what could be a career-changing role. He’s also antsy. His steady diet of booze and eager bed partners has left him feeling empty. He wants something more, something real. He’s intrigued by the strange woman he meets cooking after hours at a local restaurant. When she turns up on set as a translator, he gives in to temptation and asks her out.
     Sunny turns the table at dinner and propositions her date. Will he be her sexual mentor? Sven is shocked, intrigued, and ultimately enthusiastic. The lessons proceed in scorching secrecy, but word leaks out, and soon the tabloids are hunting for Sven’s latest lover.
     Not everyone is pleased about the liaison. Sunny’s friend, Mimi, worries that she’s in over her head. Sven’s friend, Clyde, worries the actor is getting too attached. As lust flares into love, someone decides to take drastic action and the romance between the virgin and the movie star takes a tragic turn.     St. Barts is a novel about the allure of celebrity and fame, about the enduring need for roots, and ultimately, about love. It’s also a love letter to a beautiful island.

I loved this book!  I rarely give five stars to a review, even on books I really enjoyed.  But I absolutely couldn't put this book down!  I read this while on a cruise - and it's a perfect beach read!

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