Book Review: Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris

This is a book that focuses on the basics of Christianity.  Joshua Harris defines doctrine, orthodoxy and many other terms that can become a deep topic in many circles whether you believe in God or not.  The point of this book is to dig down deep and truly know what you believe in,  to truly connect with God.

I had a hard time getting into this book.  I'm not sure if it's because I've read a wide variety of books lately, but it didn't grab me and took me a long time to read. It's an easy read, just took me a long time to make it a priority to sit down and finish.  I like to read and enjoy books that challenge me spiritually, but felt this book was lacking something.

I'd love to write more about this book, but it isn't one I'd purchase myself.  And, if I did purchase it I would've been disappointed.

 I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Book Review: Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

I had heard of this book and was curious about it.  As soon as I saw it available for review I requested a copy.  Heaven is for Real is a "little boy's astounding story of his trip to heaven and back."  It is easy and entertaining to read.

This story is about Colton's emergency room visit, hospital stay and his trip to heaven during his operation.  Once he recovered, he knew details about what his parents were doing during his surgery; along with details about family members who died before he was born.  He's very adamant that "Jesus loves children."  And, for a child his age he remembers lots of details about heaven.

Now that I've given you the quick summary, here's my reflections:  First of all, I had to finish reading the part where they were in the ER and his surgery all in one sitting.  As a mother of a three year old, I can only imagine what I would be going through during something so serious!  However, I'm skeptical of this book.  Todd put scripture references along with the details about heaven.  All of this is great, but I will seek out those things for myself from the Bible to make sure it lines up theologically.  I also had a hard time with how much detail Colton remembered.  This is due to my 3 year old in the house; wondering what details she would say in a similar situation.  I'm not doubting that he had a spiritual experience, but I'm a true believer in the Bible being the true authority about heaven.  Truly, what this book did for me was bring up more questions about heaven and accepting the idea that I won't have all my answers until I see heaven myself. The true authenticity of this story is one thing I will ask God about when I get to heaven.  I'd also be interested to see what Colton does with his life to see if this experience as a toddler affects how he lives his adult life when that time comes.

Overall, I thought this was an entertaining book that brought about good table discussion.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 25

Hermie a common caterpillar by Max Lucado illustrated by Daniel Hawarth

This is an adorable children's book meant for a level 2 reader.  However, my 3 year old loves to have this book read to her. In this story Hermie continues to tell God that he feels like a common caterpillar.  God tells him and his caterpillar friend Wormie: "Don't worry. I love you both just the way you are, but I'm not finished with you yet."  

This book has bright illustrations and kept the attention of my daughter when I read it to her.  And, then she sat down in her reading corner and attempted to retell the story.  This book is a good reminder for everyone that God is continually shaping and molding us.  I also liked that Hermie talked to God as a friend.  Not only does the story illustrate that God isn't finished with Hermie yet, but also that there is a relationship between Hermie and God.  

And, many times as a parent I feel I fail to show my daughter that I have a relationship with God beyond praying for meals and bedtime.  Maybe I'm being too hard on myself, which I'm really good at, but I do feel that books like these help begin the discussion about having a relationship with God.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 25

Book Review: The Hole in our Gospel

 The main question asked in this book is: "What does God expect of us?"  The book is about CEO of world vision and his journey of giving up a high paying corporate job to doing his work with World Vision.

I truly liked how the book was a call to action for each of us as Christians, but would've liked not just focusing on overseas, but also focusing on what can be done in our own country.  I realize Richard Stearns is the President of World Vision and his job is seeing what is going on outside our country, so his focus of World Vision makes sense.

I was involved in a video study of this book at church and there was one particular story that hit close to home for me. That week was about a child who had both his legs amputated, but didn't have money for prosthetics(my brother has a prosthetic leg and they are expensive!).  When Richard Stearns came home he talked with his family and they were able to pay for that child to get prosthetics.  It wasn't World vision that payed for it.  That is an example of what the book is about...calling people to take action.  To see a need and do what Christ would do...meet the need that is staring you in the face.

This book really helped me refocus my life.  I may not be able to help anyone overseas at this point and that is ok.  My calling may be to take action in the current town I'm living in.  I can be a missionary in my own town and I'll do my best to follow the action God wants me to take.


I received this book free from the publisher through the  http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.