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.