Your Marriage Masterpiece by Al Janssen

Book Description

A Transformational Picture of Marriage.

God created marriage as a beautiful work of art that reflects his glory to the world. But our culture has undervalued and misunderstood it, causing it to lose some of its luster. Like recent restoration projects on the Sistine Chapel and the Mona Lisa, it is time to return marriage to its former glory, and the only way to do that is to take a closer look at what the artist had in mind all along.

In this newly revised and expanded book, Al Janssen takes a fresh look at the exquisite design God has for marriage and brings to light the reasons this union was intended to last a lifetime. The chapters weave real-life stories with great teaching and biblical narratives in order to paint a complete picture of all that marriage can be. Readers will examine elements such as passion, adventure, and commitment that come together to make up the colors of God's design. They will also discover new ways to reflect God's love within marriage--revealing his plan for men and women from the moment he created us.

My Review

I believe you can never be too prepared, especially when it comes to something as precious and wonderful as Marriage. I’m single so when I first saw this book I though, “I probably have to be married to read or truly understand this book.”  Oh how I was I mistaken!

            From the first page the creative narrative captured me, begging to keep turning the pages. I read nearly 100 pages in the first afternoon. I’ve thought about what marriage means, what God intended it to be, but Al Janssen wonderfully illustrates and elaborates God’s true masterpiece when he created Adam and Eve and the world. Each chapter touches on a different piece of what marriage is and the very gospel God wrote in marriage when He created it. Not only what marriage is now, about a man and woman uniting as one, but how we are betrothed, promised, to God to one day be united forever with Him. What he did to show us that promise.

            One of my favorite illustrations and something I had not realized before was when God made a covenant with Abram and walked through the blood to seal it, he walked in it alone while Abram slept. He took on the whole thing so that even when the covenant was broken Abraham or anyone after him would not have to pay the penalty. God has already planned for Christ to pay that cost. Amazing.

            The book is filled with so much insightful looks at marriage and thought provoking illustrations on how we are to be and stand united when you do decide to join with that special someone. Filled with funny stories of his childhood and his own marriage, Al Janssen does a fabulous job telling the masterpiece God has created in marriage. Even if you are single for the rest of your life this book is more than worth reading. You get more than a glimpse at how much time and purpose God has put into us and whatever relationships we have with a spouse and our Lord our and Savior.

I highly recommend this book, whether you are married, want to one day wed, or even a confirmed bachelor(ette).

 

I give this book 5 out of 5!

 

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part Bethany House blogging for book program.

Not By Sight by Kate Breslin

Book Description

Gripping Sophomore Novel from a Rising Historical Romance Talent

With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover.

Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country's cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she'll set off when she hands a feather to Jack. 

And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them--or the faith they'll need to maintain hope.

My Review

            I couldn’t contain the enthusiasm when I first heard that Kate Breslin was coming out with another book. I squealed when I ordered it seven months later. I jumped for joy when it arrived in my mailbox (silently thanking the Lord the mailman didn’t bend it, stuffing it in my mailbox!) It’s taken me longer to around to reading it sadly, but it was more than worth the wait!

            Grace is such a wonderfully believable character. Innocent yet admirable, she sets out to do her part in the war effort as a suffragette, to support her twin brother who is fighting overseas. That’s how she meets Jack Benningham. Dressed as Pandora, Grace and her maid crash a wealthy ladies lavish Masquerade ball to handout their white feathers of cowardice.

            Jack Benningham is not what he appears. Secretly working for British intelligence, seeking to reveal the traitors to their country. However, he didn’t plan on meeting Pandora that fateful night.  As her beauty captivates him and he charms her with a gentle kiss on her hand, he becomes amused and enraptured by her boldness as she hands him a white feather. Sadly, he let her beauty distract him from the mission and in pursuit of the spy Jack is devastatingly injured. Jack must not only live without his sight, but he must learn to live by faith; a faith not by sight.

            Fit with humor, love, and faith this book is one to have on your bookshelf! You will fall in love with it as soon as you open the book and want to share with others.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part Bethany House blogging for book program.

All is Bright Coloring Journal

Book Description

This Christmas season, celebrate the birth of our Savior through beautiful design and devotion. Grab your colored pencils, cozy up with your favorite blanket and a cup of tea, and settle in for a night of peace and wonder with All Is Bright. For lovers of the Secret Garden and Enchanted Forest coloring books, All Is Bright is the perfect way to transform the Advent and Christmas seasons for your whole family, re-centering the holidays on the miracle of Jesus’ birth. Combining 31 days of rich content by the beloved and inspirational Nancy Guthrie with intricate designs that will reconnect you with the heart of Christ, this coloring book devotional journey reminds us all of what the season really calls us to: worship.

My Review

I love this book! I was so happy to get it. Filled with beautiful pictures to color in, I can't wait to color them all! What I loved about this book as well is that it wasn't just another coloring book, it is also a devotional! Perfect for the coming holidays. These devotions will get you in the Christmas spirit and remind you of the wonderful miracle that is Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ. The real reason we celebrate and what fills out hearts with hope!

This book makes a perfect gift for family, friends, or even yourself! In the back there is even family activities you can do as a family together, especially if you have little ones. It's a wonderful coloring book to have this year.

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review for Tyndale Blog Network.

365 Pocket Morning Prayers

Book Description

Each morning when you arise, take a moment to talk with God about the day ahead. Ask Him to prepare your heart so that you can be ready to face any challenge that comes your way. 365 Pocket Morning Prayers can guide this time of life-changing conversation and help you express your needs and concerns to God. Don’t worry about what the day will bring. Instead, release your troubles and concerns into God’s care by reading and meditating on the prayers featured in 365 Pocket Morning Prayers. Begin your day in joyful anticipation, trusting that God is in control of your life and wants only the best for you.

My Review

A wonderful little morning prayer devotion to get your day started right! It's small enough you can carry it with you anywhere. A nice leather cover and embossing. It makes for a wonderful gift to add for any occasion. 

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review for Tyndale Blog Network.

Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal

Book Description

Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal invites you to bring creative journaling and the calming act of coloring into your quiet time with God. This beautifully designed interactive prayer book from Tyndale’s Living Expressions collection helps guide your thoughts as you pray about concerns such as health, overcoming stress, personal relationships, and more. Gratitude gives you a way to celebrate and give thanks to God for the many blessings he provides. Filled with over 100 designs to color, plenty of space for journaling and sketching, and 40 needs-based prayers, Gratitude helps you express your devotion to God with your whole heart!

My Review

I love this journal!!! It has so many beautiful illustrations to color in and wonderful encouraging words from scripture and praise God for in our time of prayer and reflection. Checkout some of the pictures from inside and see for yourself!

This makes for a great gift for any occasion: Birthdays, Holidays, or just Thinking of You surprise days!

I give this a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review for Tyndale.

An Unexplainable Life by Erica Wiggenhorn

Book Description

What can God do with fifty days?

In only fifty days Peter was radically transformed. He went from being a man in the shadows denying even knowing Jesus, to a man boldly proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus in the middle of the temple courts. How did the change occur? And more importantly, can such a change occur within us—today, in the here and now?

For fifty days, I invite you to dwell in the first twelve chapters of Acts. Here we meet Peter face-to-face and encounter the source of his power. We become challenged to grab hold of that power ourselves, believing that God wants to do something in and through us that is unexplainable apart from Him. Let’s give God fifty days and see what He might do.

My Review

I've not done but a couple of Bible study books in my lifetime. In fact, most of the ones I come across never seem to appeal to me or when I do they aren't very well written and I would put it back on the shelf. Not with this one!

From the moment I read the description I knew this one would somehow impact my life, but the little skeptic gremlin in me said hold back on your enthusiasm, it could be just as well written as the others you've read. So, I waited. I got the book in and from page one it was amazing! In the first week I knew this was the book for me! 

Each day is filled with Verse-by-verse study. Sure, when some read that you're going to think "boring" or "tedious." But the way this book is set up it's never that. The questions make you think but without being confusing or obscure. You're asked a question and then a verse to find the answer. You see the connection and pieces of God's plan. How they fell into place when Jesus came, died, and resurrected. And this is all in the first week!

Other books are short and too simple or too complicated and tedious. An Unexplainable Life is perfectly balanced, it inspires me to further read and search and know the answers. It doesn't let me be lazy by just telling me everything, it turns me straight to the Bible for the answers! I think that's what I love most about this book. Erica doesn't give her interpretation of the Bible and expect you to follow whatever she says, she turns you straight to the Bible, to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit! 

I hope she makes more (like a second book on the rest of Acts perhaps!) like this and that they will be just as amazing. I recommend this book to all my friends. I had one friend just glimpse inside a couple of pages and she was amazed, she said, "I already love it, it makes me think about the answers!"

Great job Erica Wiggenhorn! Thank you!

I highly recommend this book! I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Moody Publishers Bloggers Review program.

The Drawing Lesson: A Graphic Guide to Drawing by Mark Crilly

Book Description

Read This Comic and Start Drawing Today!
For the first time ever, drawing instructor and graphic novelist Mark Crilley brings his easy-to-follow artistic instruction to aspiring artists in the form of a comic book, providing you with a one-of-a-kind how-to experience. In The Drawing Lesson, you’ll meet David—a young boy who wants nothing more than to learn how to draw. Luckily for David, he’s just met Becky—his helpful drawing mentor. Page by page, Becky teaches David (and you!) about the essential fundamentals that artists need in order to master drawing, all in a unique visual format. In panel after panel, Crilley provides lessons on shading, negative space, creating compositions, and more, with accompanying exercises that you can try for yourself. Are you ready to start your drawing lesson today?

My Review

This is a great book for beginners, young people, and for those who want to brush up on their technique, something I wish I'd known and practiced more growing up! 

Like Mark Crilly's videos on YouTube, he makes it enjoyable, fun, and clear to understand. In his book he shows you through the telling of a story/comic of a boy who befriends an artist who teaches him the skills to draw! The illustrations are perfect for this book!

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Blogging for Books Review program.