Just Open the Door

Change a generation with something as simple as an invitation.

For many of us, inviting people into our lives and homes feels more like inviting judgment on our entertaining skills and stress on our already maxed-out schedules. But what if you knew that opening your front door had the power to radically change the world? To make an impact and leave a legacy with everyday invitations?

Jen Schmidt has set out to reframe how we think about hospitality and to equip us to walk a road of welcome in our daily lives. Jen knows that every time we choose open-door living—whether in our homes or by taking hospitality on the road just like Jesus—those we invite in get to experience the lived-out Gospel, our kids grow up in a life-lab of generosity, and we trade insecurity for connection.

Just Open the Door is a personal yes-you-can guide to offering the life-changing gift of invitation. Whether you’re a seasoned host looking for renewed inspiration or a nervous newbie not sure where to begin, these personal stories, practical ideas, and poignant insights will give you the confidence you need to see your home as the most likely location for changing the world around you, one open door at a time.

 This book is so convicting to me while somehow still being very encouraging for this introvert! Jen gives advice and encouragement in "Just Open the Door" that makes opening your door seem totally doable and less intimidating. Which is a good thing as we are all wanting to be more hospitable.

As Jen says, “Biblical hospitality offers our best to Him first, understanding that our best to others will then fall into place…The posture we assume in hospitality is one that bends low, generously offering our heart to another despite whatever interruption to our own plans or comfort.”

Filled with practical tips you can put into practice immediately, readers will relate to the transparency with which Jen shares honest hospitality moments. You see....it’s really not about us....it’s about them. And who doesn't want to feel included, loved, and special?

I love that this book is written for all stages of life. It gives practical advice for young mommas) as well as those who are having  teens in their home. It even shares advice from her mother and other family members that has been modeled through those generations. As well as experiences her children have modeled!

This book blessed me so much and enabled me to see hospitality in a completely new and life changing way. Highly recommend it!

This book was sent to me for a review by BHbloggers.com (B&H Publishing and LifeWay).

Why Her?

If success is defined in the eye of the beholder,
who are you letting behold your success?

Nicki Koziarz is confronting the comparison question: Why her?

Through two striving sisters in the Bible, Nicki uncovered six truths’ we need to hear when trying to measure up leaves you falling behind.

These six truths will help you:

·      Stop staring at her success and find satisfaction in yours.

·      Find contentment with your life without being complacent in who you are becoming.

·      Gain godly wisdom to answer the Why Her silent question of your soul.

Someone will always be ahead. But that doesn’t mean you’re behind. Because Truth, like always, will set us free. And free women don’t have to measure up to anybody. Not even her.

“The reality is we may never understand why God does what He does. Trying to figure Him out will leave us frustrated. Trying to figure Him out will leave us fatigued. Trying to figure Him out will leave us faithless. The solution is to keep taking secure steps with God. Daily. Weekly. Monthly. Our entire lives. This process never ends. For even when circumstances look shaky, God is stable. We can believe He is securing our steps even when things don’t seem to make sense.” Nicki Koziarz, “Why Her”

This book will bless you and challenge you at the same time. It will encourage you to lay down the comparison struggle and pick up God’s peace and love instead.

“Life is going to try breaking us down. No matter how much we love God, there are going to be people, situations, problems and heartbreaks that come along which are still incredibly hard to handle. But when life breaks us down we always have two options.” (Bitterness or Breakthrough) -Nicki Koziarz; “Why Her”

These six truths are just what we all need to hear and take the heart. The truth sets us free. Nikki helps us understand how to not get caught in the comparison trap. We all struggle with this and Nikki helps us apply godly wisdom to our lives to know that we aren’t behind. A must read for every woman.

I received a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, B&H.

Words of Grace

Just as the body needs bread, so the soul needs grace. The Word of God is full of grace-filled words and is nourishment for our souls. God’s Word is grace and prayerful meditation on the Word is an act of faith. By grace through faith we press the Word of God into our everyday lives.

Words of Grace: A 100-Day Devotional, is a pastor’s encouragement, written with a congregation in mind, to build a life centered on God’s Word. Each day’s reading starts with the Scripture, which is the written Word of God. The devotionals expand on the Scripture and are designed to shape your mind by a vision of God and stir your heart’s affection for him. The goal of this book is your flourishing faith and fruitful obedience to Christ.

This devotional is thoughtfully divided into three categories.  Who God is, how He works in our lives, and how we are to respond to Him.

Each devotional is nice and short for when you don't have a lot of time, but it really packs in a great message. The verse is on the left side and the devotional is on the right hand side. I enjoyed reading these devotional. There are questions to help you apply the devotional to your life.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes and the opinions I have expressed in my review are entirely my own.

CSB Study Bible for Women

The most comprehensive study Bible ever prepared for women and by women, the CSB Study Bible for Women invites you to explore the riches of God’s Word. Follow God’s grand story across the Bible, guided by threads of specialized study that explain essential doctrines, answer hard questions, discuss biblical womanhood, and apply truth to our hearts and lives.

The CSB Study Bible for Women is edited by Dr. Dorothy Kelley Patterson and Dr. Rhonda Harrington Kelley, both long-time women’s ministry leaders, authors and seminary professors at two of the nation’s most respected seminaries. As you learn from these women extensively educated in Biblical studies and languages and passionate about God’s Word, you will be equipped in turn to mentor others in the truth and hope found in Scripture.

Features include:

6,490 extensive study notes

Over 500 word studies, 25 full-color maps and reconstructions, and 95 charts

Introductions to each book of the Bible

A comprehensive concordance including every woman and reference to women in the Bible

Threads of specialized study woven throughout, pointing to God’s larger story:

Biblical Womanhood articles

Answers to “Hard Questions”

Character profiles

Doctrinal notes

“Written on My Heart” applications

Smyth-sewn binding

Two-column text in 9.25-point type

 I was able to get my hands on a hardcover copy, however it’s also is available in a teal LeatherTouch with floral design ( which I absolutely love), and brown LeatherTouch with an etched design up the side. The print inside is full color including beautiful floral designs on each page introducing a new book.

The introduction to a book of the Bible includes answers to some questions like “who wrote it?” and “when was it written?” it is then followed by why women should read it and how it should be read. There is an outline along with a timeline on the bottom of the page as a footnote.

I absolutely love this study Bible! I’ve been doing a lot of talking about it already! Not to discredit Bibles that are solely “devotional,” but I’ve been looking for years for a women’s study Bible that had more. I wanted the study and the devotional notes all in one Bible. This Bible has managed to put it all together beautifully. I honestly can’t recommend it enough!The print size is excellent and the text is easy to read and clear translation.

The hardcover is very lovely and feminine.  It has full-color maps and splashes of color throughout the Bible. This would make a lovely gift, or just for your own resource.

*I received a complimentary copy from Lifeway Publishers in hopes of an honest review. I was not obligated to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

Julie

Welcome to this stop on the Julie by Catherine Marshall Reissue Celebration Blog Tour with JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Julie

Author: Catherine Marshall

Publisher: Gilead Publishing

ReIssue Date: April 17, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance Fiction

Links*: Goodreads l Amazon l ChristianBook l Book Depository l Itunes

*A New York Times bestseller*
-------------------------------
Will the dam hold?

Julie Wallace has always wanted to write. Trying to 
escape the Great Depression, Julie’s father buys the
Alderton Sentinel, a small-town newspaper in flood-prone Alderton, Pennsylvania, and moves his family
there. As flash floods ominously increase, Julie’s investigative reporting uncovers secrets that could
endanger the entire community.

Julie, the newspaper, and her family are thrown into a perilous standoff with the owners of the steel mills
as they investigate the conditions of the immigrant laborers. As the Alderton Sentinel and Julie take on a more aggressive role to reform these conditions, seething tensions come to a head.

When a devastating tragedy follows a shocking revelation, Julie’s courage and strength are tested. 
Will truth and justice win, or will Julie lose everything she holds dear?

TO PURCHASE A COPY*

Amazon l ChristianBook l Book Depository l Itunes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine Marshall (1914-1983), “The New York Times” best-selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel “Christy.” Based on the life of her mother, “Christy” captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series. Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders. Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in “A Man Called Peter.” A decade after Dr. Marshall’s untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of “Guideposts,” forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership. A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine’s enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 million readers.

GIVEAWAY

(1) Winner will win: 

• $25 Amazon Gift Card
• Bookmark Swag
• Necklace (exact or similar & *subject to change)
• Print Copy of Julie

(Only Gift Card open internationally. Others open to US Mailing Addresses)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

JustRead Publicity Tour Landing Page

April 23
Backing Books
Beautifully Broken 
Glamamamas Goodies
Glimpse of Our Life
The Power of Words
Remembrancy
Just Commonly
Book Reviews by Steph


April 24
All of a Kind Mom
Amanda In PA
Locks, Hooks and Books
Two Points of Interest
This Chattanooga Mommy Saves
Savings in Seconds
Veronica's 'Views
Meagan Davenport
Faery Tales Are Real


April 25
As We Walk Along the Road
Texas Book-aholic
Book by Book
Christian Chick's Thoughts
Bibliophile Reviews
Moments
Quilting Along Life's Way
Girls in White Dresses
Mom 2 Mom Connection


April 26
A Baker's Perspective
Impressions In Ink
A Room Without Books is Empty 
Christian bookaholic
Mocha with Linda
Lighthouse Academy
Running Through the Storms 
Coffee Addicted Writer
Live. Love. Read.
Thoughts from Mill Street
God's Peculiar Treasure Rae


April 27
For the Love of Books
I'm Hooked on Books
She Lives to Read
Becky J Miller
Jami's Words
Ponderings of a Poet & Procrastinator
Have A Wonderful Day 
Pause for Tales
Hope for Today's Heart
Neverending Stories
Jen Around the World
Maureen's Musings
Singing Librarian Books
Splashes of Joy 
Katherine Scott Jones
My Full Cup

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Unblinded Faith

Unblinded Faith is a wonderful 90 day devotional book that you will want to read and re-read over and over again. It is a great way to start the day with in the Word and with the Lord. This book is packed with Scripture, personal testimonies/stories, and gives space to reflect and respond. Elisa Pulliam speaks with such practical wisdom that both encourages and challenges you. It convicts and encourages and uplifts and trains.

Elisa desires for her readers to be transformed into the women God has designed them to be. The only way we can accomplish this transformation is if we are “steeped in the Word” as she puts it. This is like a tea bag that is steeped in hot water, which causes the tea leaves to release their flavor and permeate the water. As we spend time in His presence and read His Word, we become all that we are meant to be and God permeates our life.

These are some of my favorite quotes:

 Day 11 " By pulling back from the social connections that simply drain our souls.....we gain emotional and physical margin space to see and respond to the opportunities right in front of us" Rather than praying and 'searching' on our own, just be at peace and NOTICE whats already there in front of ya!

 "Choosing to be still before God is about refusing to fuss when life spins out of control." 

 "When we choose to live in a way that pleases God, seeking to be humble and holy, and to love deeply, we'll be positioned to fulfill the goal of living a quiet life, minding our own business, and working with our hands for the glory of God." 

Unblinded Faith, is a devotional that will challenge the thinking of someone who is a new believer in Christ as well as someone who has been a believer for a long time.  I highly recommend it. Thank you Elisa for allowing me to read an advance digital copy.

Enough: Silencing the Lies That Steal Your Confidence

What Can You Do When You Feel You're Just Not Good Enough?

Do the voices in your head say you're not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough...or just not enough, period? It's time to stop listening to lies that sabotage your confidence and embrace the truth of who God says you are.

Popular author and speaker Sharon Jaynes exposes the lies that keep you bogged down in shame, insecurity, and feelings of inadequacy. By recognizing the lies and replacing them with truth, you'll be able to

silence the voice inside that whispers you're just not good enough

accept God's grace and move past failures that have defined and confined you

preload your heart with truth to fight your deepest insecurities

Your confidence and faith will grow when you trade self-defeating thoughts for God's truth. Today is the day to embrace your incredible worth as a woman who is uniquely fashioned and spiritually empowered.

 As women we start collecting and believing a number of lies about ourselves. This book shows how to change our minds from self-defeating thoughts (such as worthless, unloved, ugly, stupid, unforgivable, failure, not good enough) to God's truth and His promises for us.  This book shows us how to identify the lie, expose the lie so that we can move into the truth that frees us.  Sharon lays out a battle plan with simple steps for how to overcome the lies Satan whispers to us. There are two parts to this book. Part I talks about the battle for your thought life (ex. Recognize the Lies). Part II is about the lies women tell themselves (ex. I'm not good enough).

 I believe it would make a good counseling book. As an added bonus there is a quick reference guide on replacing lies with truth and a Bible study guide included in the book. Readers will have the tools needed for moving beyond self-defeating, negative thoughts to realizing their value, security, and uniqueness in Christ. Enough is a book for any woman and every woman.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of the launch team for “Enough”. 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”