Friday, October 14, 2011

Ascent From Darkness

I will admit I was not sure I wanted to read this book. I don't like to read about evil spirits and demonic forces but the fact that it was a true story of one man's life made me want to continue on. I am so glad I read this book. It was very well done. Michael tells his story in a way that you get the severity of what was going on in his life without getting the gory details. He makes it clear the depth of his devotion to Satan and the battle that raged within him. I'm amazed at how his "mission" was to go to churches and Bible studies and disrupt them with difficult questions and basically just try to lead everyone astray. Another great reason why we need to be on guard spiritually at all times. I was thanking God by the end that this man has been freed from the bondage of Satan and that he now is a follower of Christ. The appendix also sheds some great light on the story of Michael from the perspective of those around him. I love how God is using him and his testimony mightily today! I find his passion inspiring and the fact that he can't not share the love of God with everyone he meets an encouragement and challenge to the rest of us.
I received this book free from booksneeze.com in exchange for my review.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Forever Faithful, The Complete Trilogy by Karen Kingsbury

Forever Faithful is the complete trilogy all in one book. These were 3 different novels all available in one book. It starts off with Hannah's tragic journey of bitterness and anger at losing her husband and daughter to a drunk driver and seeing her go through all the emotions that go with a tragedy like that. In the end she sees that forgiveness is the only to way to let go of the anger and bitterness that is destroying her. There is of course a love story woven in as well.
The second book is about Jade and Tanner who are childhood friends but when life takes them in different directions they thought they would never see each other again. God brings them together and their romance begins to unfold but in a "moment of weakness" they give in to their desires and Jade becomes pregnant. This was a very sad story about life and its consequences but God can still "work things together for good for those who love Him."
The Final book brings both couples together in a friendship and they both go through trials that requires support and faith in God to get you through. I thought this trilogy was well done and Ms. Kingsbury does an excellent job showing that no matter the circumstances you go through you can look back and see the hand of God working. Jeremiah 29:11 was shown throughout the entire trilogy.
I received this book free from blogging for books in exchange for my review

Monday, October 3, 2011

Game On by Emmitt Smith


I enjoyed Emmitt Smith's book that offers a loot at his journey through childhood all the way through his very successful football career and up to today where is a successful commercial real estate investor and builder. I enjoyed the honesty in this book and the admiration he has for his family is quite inspirational. He is very vocal about how his belief in Jesus has shaped who he is now and how everything he does he wants to glorify God. He was very focused and goal oriented and everything he did, he gave his all. I believe anyone who reads this will definitely get something out of it. He does a great job pointing out that you can't go through life alone and the accomplishments you do have are because of the people around you. He gives great examples of this on the football field. His admiration and gratitude for Daryl Johnston actually brought a few tears to my eyes. I also loved the part about when he was in high school and made a touchdown and did a celebratory dance on the field and afterwards his dad came up to him and told him that he was proud of him for his touchdown but not to act like he hadn't been in the endzone before. All in all, a great read and some very good information on how to make your dreams into reality.
I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my review.