THE CHRIST-CENTERED HOME by Emily Belle Freeman—#books #reviews #amreading

THE CHRIST-CENTERED HOME by Emily Belle Freeman. I loved how this book was sectioned in a way that it wasn't overwhelming to read. Sometimes when I dive into books like this I feel like I'll never be able to do anything they're talking about because it's so huge. In contrast, this book has something to focus on each month, something small. For example, one of the months was focusing on prayer or the act of inviting the Savior into your home. That's something small I can handle at this time in my life. I loved the comforting feeling the came as I was reading the book. It definitely calmed my crazy life. This is a book for anyone who is looking for a way to focus more on the Savior. Really it is for anyone who loved the Savior and wants Him to be more a part of their daily lives. I would highly recommend it.

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In the hectic scramble of a world that asks us to do everything, be everyone, and make it all look easy, we often lose track of the experiences that really matter most—quiet moments in our homes with our families when we feel the peace of Jesus Christ.

The lessons Jesus taught in the homes of His followers were simple. They were basic. And they were—and are—essential. In The Christ-Centered Home, you will discover how to fill your family's hearts with the principles Jesus taught in the most sacred of classrooms: the home.

There is a humility that comes when we invite the Lord into our most private spaces. Within the hush we hear the gentle whisper of His voice, we experience the touch of His hand, and we feel the prompting to rise. Invite Him in, and experience the added measure of peace, strength, courage, and hope that comes when Jesus Christ becomes the central focus of your home.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

A RARE NATIVITY by Sam Beeson — #amreading #reviews #christmas #books

A RARE NATIVITY by Sam Beeson. This book had me curious from the get go. Just the title alone caught my attention, although I had my doubts about it. Then, when I opened it and began to read, my doubts rose. I couldn't see how this book would pull together all the "gifts" that were given to an enemy into something beautiful. It surprised me and I was touched at the end and ashamed at my judgements. This book has a very poignant, sweet message on forgiveness. It is a great book that is for everyone of all ages, especially those have been or who have hurt someone. It is a beautiful way to look at forgiveness.

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We've all heard the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," and we've all seen the traditional Christmas creche. Now, author Sam Beeson and photographers Nina and Terral Cochran combine these two classic Christmas icons to create A Rare Nativity.

Upon reading the first lines of the book, it's clear the narrator holds a bitter grudge as he sends his enemy crude and discarded gifts:

On the first night of Christmas I gave my enemy a briar from a tanglewood tree.

On the second night of Christmas I gave my enemy two broken eggs.

Night after night the "gifts" pile up - shards of glass, rusty nails, gnarled twigs, and more. What the narrator's enemy decides to do with each of these odious gifts is nothing less than a Christmas miracle. The photographic creation of the rare nativity at the end of the book is both a work of art and a wonder to behold.

Forgiveness is something we all need to give and receive, and A Rare Nativity opens our eyes to the act of forgiveness and the true meaning of Christmas. It's a universal message to be shared with readers of all ages. Christmas is a season for giving. Make it a forgiving season.

MAYBE TODAY by David Butler & Emily Belle Freeman — #books #amreading #life

MAYBE TODAY by David Butler and Emily Belle Freeman. This book was a pleasant surprise. I wasn't expecting much but I really enjoyed the simple nature of it. The pictures were beautiful and the stories that were chosen to go with the different approaches were perfect. It truly gave me something to think about in how to create a more soul-satisfying life with five easy steps. This book is one for everyone, no matter what your belief system is. I highly recommend it.

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He knows your heart. Live your life so you can come to know HIS.

*A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

A CHRIST-CENTERED CHRISTMAS by Emily Belle Freeman—#BookReview #amreading #ChristCenteredChristmasn

A CHRIST-CENTERED CHRISTMAS by Emily Belle Freeman. With Christmas around the corner (and really having begun in September which is when I found Christmas decorations popping up in stores) I find it a good reminder to take a look at the true meaning of Christmas. The hustle of the shopping, the craziness with parties, family, gifts, and the list goes on. It's very easy to forget the humble beginnings of the holiday. This book shows different ways to keep Christ in the center of Christmas. It talks about seven of the people involved in that first Christmas, what they represent and how we can utilize their examples to help us focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Emily shared experiences as well as what her family has done to shift their focus. I found several things that I could easily add to our family traditions as well as those that we are already doing. It is a great, easy read that will help you shift your focus back on Christ during this Christmas season.

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Deepen the spirit that fills your heart and home this holiday season when you discover the meaning behind seven gifts of Christmas, each celebrated with an invitation from the scriptures and a simple tradition.

Each gift is based on a figure in a Nativity set, and the traditions can easily be combined with things you already do. This year as you prepare your home for the season, resolve to prepare your heart in a way that will lead you closer to Christ.

COVER REVEAL/GIVEAWAY & BOOK REVIEW

I have two exciting things today. First off is the cover reveal for Rachelle J Christensen's new book DIAMOND RINGS ARE DEADLY THINGS. This exciting mystery will be coming out later this year. I'm looking forward to this release. There is a rafflecopter giveaway for this book at the end of this post.
Adrielle Pyper knows how to plan a wedding, and she is especially good at pleasing bridezillas. But when her biggest client and best friend is murdered just three days before the wedding, Adri’s world falls apart. She moves to the resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho, and starts from scratch. Thanks to Adri’s impeccable taste and unique style, she lands two celebrity clients, and her business seems headed for success--that is, until someone vandalizes the specialty wedding dresses she imported from overseas. The race is on to uncover a secret hidden within the yards of satin and lace before Adri becomes the next victim. With a delightful blend of mystery, toe-curling kisses, humor, and spine-tingling thrills, Diamond Rings are Deadly Things is a romantic suspense novel that will keep you turning pages long into the night. 







THE 7 DAY CHRISTIAN by Brad Wilcox. This was an interesting read. I enjoyed the stories and experiences he pulled from his life to help teach the principle that we need to be Christian's every day rather than just on Sunday. The chapters were short enough that I could set it aside to think about what he said and then come back to it. He bears a powerful testimony of the effect of being an every day Christian. This book was written for everyone and is not specific to one religion. I would recommend it to anyone who professes to be a Christian as we all, including myself, can use a pick me up and reminder of how to life a more Christ-like life.

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Christianity is facing great opposition. No one is being thrown to lions, but many followers of Christ face persecution because of their beliefs. At the very least, most know how it feels to end up on the wrong side of a "politically correct" conversation. More than ever before, we need believing and behaving disciples—men and women who are ready to stand up and stand together to change the world as early Christians did: one righteous choice at a time.

Filled with personal experiences and insightful stories, this book emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with our values every single day, with practical suggestions for how to actually pull it off. "Christ doesn't just want people to acknowledge His grace," writes Brad Wilcox. "He wants them to be transformed through it. He doesn't just want people to come to Him. He wants them to become like Him— a process that takes place 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, and throughout all the years of our lives.

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