Lazarus Awakening

I have not read Joanna Weaver's previous books, *Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World* or *Having a Mary Spirit* so I didn't really know what to expect from this author.  What I did know was that while browsing the list of available books to review, God really spoke to my heart that this was the one I needed.

You see, I, like Lazarus, was dead.  Not entirely dead mind you, but spiritually dead in a few areas of my life.  I was feeling unloved and alone, as if even God had turned from me.  Weaver, however, helped me to realize that God never leaves those whom He loves and that the parts of me that were dead were causing problems.

I began to really start paying attention when Weaver wrote: God knows that if He indulged my insatiable desire to have instantaneous help at each and every juncture, I would never grow up.  Not rally.  Instead I'd be crippled emotionally and unable to stand, let alone walk, on my own.  Growing to maturity means learning to accept delayed gratification...For anyting less results in demanding divas and toddler terrorists.

I was a demanding diva and toddler terrorist.  Jesus waited four days after Lazarus' death before going to him.  All hope seemed lost for Lazarus before Jesus moved.  Why do I expect for my needs and desires that are far short of death to be fulfilled and met immediately.  Weaver goes on to illustrate, using the lives of friends and Bible characters other than Lazarus, the obstacles that can stand in our path to being truly awakened and living the life we were truly awakened to live.

Weaver also includes an 8-10 week companion Bible study in an appendix as well as a comprehensive list of "Resources for Resurrected Living".  The resources include books suggestions to help you get God's love from your head to your heart, being a friend of God, getting out of your tomb, and internet resources as well.  Weaver also includes an appendix of Bible verses to help us identify who we are in Christ (such as I am accepted, I am secure, and I am significant) as well as two other appendixes to assist you with truly awakening.

I have to say that this has been a truly inspirational and much needed book and I thank Weaver for following God and writing it!

This book was received at no cost as part of the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.  The review was not required to be positive.

God's Wisdom for Mothers review

God's Wisdom for Mothers

Book description from the publisher:

God’s Wisdom for Mothers was created to give timeless wisdom and guidance for Scripture meditation and application with 11 categories (62 subjects) pertaining to motherhood. Topics include God’s Wisdom with Children, God Delights in Mothers Who . . . , God Walks with Mothers Through Heartache, Adversity, Worry, and many, many more. Included are pages at the back for prayer lists and personal study notes.
This book is a spiritual pathway to help every mother become all she can be in the eyes of God and her family.

My Review:

Not a lot to say on this one as it is primarily scripture, and who can argue with that?  The compiler has gathered 5-10 verses for each topic and then organized them in such a way that you can quickly find the perfect spiritual pick me up that you need.  Scriptures are organized into broad themes such as God's Wisdom, The Crown of an Excellent Mother, God's Wisdom with Children, God Teaches a Mother to Walk in His Word by, and 5 more such themes.  Within each theme are sub-themes as seen in the publisher's description.  (God walks with mothers is the primary theme and then He walks with them through heartache, adversity etc)

I have the Kindle version of the book and was glad to see that each Theme and sub-theme listed in the table of contents is clickable, allowing me to go exactly where I need to go depending on what kind of encouragement I need.

I will say that I would have liked for there to be more verses for each subject as some of my go to verses were not included, but there is room in the back of the print version to include your own verses and you can always add  note to a section to include them on the kindle version.

This would probably be a good Mother's Day gift or a gift for new mothers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Eat Your Peas review

 

Eat Your Peas, Faithfully: Simple Truths and Happy Insights

Book Description from the publisher:
Mama always said, “Eat your peas. They’re good for you!" These peas are sure to be your favorites! If you’re looking for a meaningful way to encourage and inspire that special someone in your life, look no more! Eat Your Peas® Faithfully is a 3-minute read with a forever message. Small doses of Godly wisdom and simple truths are graced with delightful hand illustrations to transform anyone’s glimmer of faith into bright shining beacons of hope. It’s a wonderful keepsake and reminder that they are loved—by God and you!

Review:
First, let me say I had the Kindle edition of this book and not the hardcover.  Still, even in a simple black and white format I have to say that the illustration used are beautiful.  That was unexpected in a digital format and I was pleased to see it.

Second, the truths shared, while a bit saccharine at times, were very uplifting and encouraging.  I expect that this would be a wonderful gift to brighten someones day.  While not all of the thoughts shared are ones that will stick with you, a few did.  One example:
For the faithful, accepting change and opportunity is a time of growing in God’s love and becoming all we are meant to be. Are you willing to give up what is for what could be?
Those that did really caused me to pause and consider.

This would be a great gift book just to let someone know you are thinking about them!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”