From Blah to Awe By Jenna Lucado Bishop

From Blah to Awe by Jenna Lucado Bishop is a non-fiction book aimed at young women, inspiring contention to deepen their faith walk. It is full of scripture, interesting antidotes, and many ideas to light the fire of intimacy with God.
 
This book is beautifully styled, and it has lots of spaces to write answers to questions in. It is about soul searching, and where Jesus meets us in the midst of our hearts. Jenna Lucado Bishop definitely inherited her Dad's amazing writing talent. I appreciated how she used examples from her own life through out the book.
 
Probably my favorite chapter was about how God is a supernatural God, and how when we try to seek him through our souls we often end up discouraged and confused. Jenna brings up a lot of things that young women battle with with. She provides answers in a non-judgmental, truth based way using scripture.
 
I would not give this book to a tween or young teenager. Although it is written in "girly-girl" talk, there are many mature themes. Without the "let's be girlfriends" chat, this book could easily be adapted to adults, particularly women of any age since so many of the truths in the book are universal to Christianity.
 
The thing I like most about From Blah to Awe is that it has some good meat. It contains tangible, life-breathing truths that go into the deep issues of the soul.
 
4 Stars out of 5
 
This book was provided to me for free contingent on a non-biased review.

The Voice New Testament: Revised & Updated

The Voice New Testament is a one of a kind, new translation of the Bible. It approaches translation and format in a different way and makes reading the bible more like a flowing story.
 
Useful and unique things about The Voice:

• Brings out the individualistic styles of each biblical book.
• Uses "word for word" and "thought for thought" methods of translating instead of just one or the other. For instance consider the NIV vs. The Message. This brings the two together.
• Uses biblical scholars, linguists, pastors, artists, and writers to bring The Voice into a compilation of language that stays true to the original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic. 
• Brings to light cultural contexts that we may not be aware of.
• Expounds on original language making its intent more clear.

What I loved about this bible was the story aspect of it. The language usage really spells things out, bringing context right into the story and allowing me to read it more like a chapter book.
 
You can tell when you read this that a lot of passion, study, and perseverance went into this biblical translation. I am personally thankful to have been able to read this and definitely recommend it.
 
5 Stars Out of 5
 
This book was provided to me for free by Book Sneeze contingent on an unbiased review.

*Watch the videos at the top of this blog to get some good words of encouragement!

It's Not About Me by Max Lucado

It's Not About Me-Rescue From the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy is a book that shakes us out of self-centered living, and finds the beauty in walking with God through life, reflecting his glory. This book is an easy read, elegantly written, and thought provoking!

I personally love Max Lucado's style of writing and the content he so wonderfully inspires his readers with. Even though I struggle with some of his theology, I find it biblically sound. His illustrations and antidotes provide deeper insight into seemingly complicated concepts.

It's Not About Me is much more than a read that bangs you on the head with a legalistic talk down. It is actually quite the opposite. One of his basis points is that everything in life, successes, struggles, gifts and abilities, practically everything that encompasses life is for the Glory of God. By living a God centered life we are rescued from having to carry the world on our shoulders; having to be the best, the smartest, the richest. And, if we are those things, we are still just a small part in a masterpiece of a puzzle. What we do matters, and it is all to reflect others to the source, like the moon reflects the sun.

I think that most people reading this book already get the concept of "it's not all about me." I think the title is a little misleading, because although the basic premise of the book is about that, I found it expounded on many different topics directed toward just living a life with Jesus.

This book is simple and yet so complex at the same time. My explanations could never do it justice. If you want an uplifting, thought provoking read, try It's Not About Me.

I got this book for free from Book Sneeze, and this is my unbiased review. 

The Seraph Seal by Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner

The Seraph Seal is an apocalyptic tale based in 2048. In 2012, The 8 were born, the 7 seals of the scroll written about in the bible were opened and the world began its decent into final destruction. Enter Paul Binder, a student of semiotics and history; mans last hope rests on his shoulders.

Sound confusing? It is quite an adventure into the complexities of the many possibilities that the world faces today. I first read the Alphabet of the Apocalypse, found in the back of the book. I found this study fascinating, though riddled with the authors own viewpoints.

The fiction component had an interesting premise, a variety of characters, locations, and of course, ways to destroy the world. I personally had a difficult time connecting with the characters. The theological components seemed grand but lacked a depth and reality that I would of liked to have seen. For instance, the role of the Holy Spirit seemed hidden, although the concept of God orchestrating was made clear.

And honestly, although this may say more about me than the book itself, I would have liked to of seen some more obvious romance! Paul and Angela, Angela and Paul...need I say more?

The Seraph Seal was written intelligently and very obviously well researched. I found the topics fascinating, and although they overwhelmed the storyline at times, I appreciated the learning component. The brilliance that it takes to combine scripture, a compelling work of fiction, and non-fiction components into a storyline that the average person can read is no small undertaking. If you want a book that is challenging in these aspects, I recommend this book.

This book was provided to me free by BookSneeze, for an honest, unbiased review.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

In The Final Summit character David Ponder is taken to another realm to answer a question that will impact the course of humanity. There he meets other "Travelers" like himself that have affected human history. With time running out, philosophical, moral, and spiritual attributes are discussed in order to surmise an answer that will give humanity another chance.

Although the themes of this novel were largely humanistic in their approach, their origins are definitely from a Christian worldview. I found the implications of these discussions (largely done through historical characters life experiences) fascinating. While at times the interchange of ideas seemed tedious to me, the historical content added some interest.

The story of Eric Erikson was intriguing to me, largely because I had never heard of him before. Andrews includes his story of how Nazi Germany was defeated with his help. Other historical characters include Winston Churchill, Lincoln, and Joan of Arc. This book allows you to think "outside of the box" although the characters are overshadowed by Andrews own subscribed values.

I personally struggled with the idea that "the creator" was far removed from the summit process and only spoke through his messenger. By the same token, I understand that the point of The Final Summit is to show us the liberty and free will that God has given us.

While not a difficult read, it was apparent that the reader could take these discussions to the level and depth that they desired. This was also demonstrated by a readers guide at the back of the book. I found the overall message inspiring.

I would recommend this book if you are looking for something that will challenge your beliefs and inspire you to do something with your life.

I got this book free from Book Sneeze and this is my unbiased review.