Women of Faith Conference - Dallas, Texas

The Women of Faith conference is one that brings women of all walks of life together in one dynamic setting. You can not walk through the doors of the building with out feeling the charge of electricity in the air, the anticipation of those around you longing to see God's presences it is a place where hearts are changed, lives made new, wounds healed and the power of the Lord is seen unleashed.

This year was no different: onstage renowned Women of Faith stood to speak God's Word and to edify those in the auditorium. Mandisa's voice and passionate faith echoed off the walls as she sang songs from the depths of her soul. Sandi Patty and Amy Grant shared from their deep wells of song and blessed anyone in the building. Songs from the deeper places of their hearts, born out of their experience with God and His loving hand in their lives poured from them - and in these songs women's hearts were broken at the rich beauty of God's love, they felt the healing streams of God's pure and refreshing mercy. In these moments of worship the veil between heaven and earth was thinned and voices were lifted unashamed and unhindered by religious rules or staunch tradition. In these times it was what author Margeret Harrell Wells would call a thin place - she might ought to have attended such an event while writing her book Pressing into Thin Places.

As for the speakers: Everyone of the Women who spoke did so with a great and evident faith in the One Mighty God. Through their words the bible and all its glory was opened and was seen for what it really is - a living, flowing stream of water. In these lessons no woman left the same. For it is impossible to sit under the anointed teaching of the Lord and not be changed or renewed in some small way. The electricity passed from one lady to the next, the Holy Spirit was completely unleashed to work the wonders of the Lord. Some women sat in tears at times, others were moved to clap and yet others sat and felt for the first time the burdens they were carrying be lifted from them and their once bowed frame was straight. In the presence of the Lord lives are changed - the Lord demands a response from the heart.

Absolutely a life changing event. I encourage all who have never attended to go. Women, a revival can take place if we all fall into line with God's will - if we all find the healing He is laying out for us - If we all find a safe place of worship to tap into the deep well of love that God has placed in each of us. This is a place where we can come together free of the hindrances of religion and tradition, a place where we can focus only on the Lord, a place of refreshment, renewal, healing - a place of life changes.

The Colonel's Lady, Laura Frantz

After the death of her mother Roxanna Rowan takes a dangerous journey to see her father who is stationed at Fort Endeavor in Kentucky. Chased by indians she leads a rag tag group of women and a mute child through the wilderness to the fort.

Once there she finds only heartbreak at the arrival of the Colonel and his announcement that her father is dead. Thus begins a heartbreaking journey of love, forgiveness and ultimate restoration of broken hearts. Holding fast to her faith and the beloved memory of her father Roxanna quickly becomes the heart and backbone of a desolate forsaken place.

In the midst she finds herself in love with the Colonel. However he is bound by a promise he made her father and a guilt that is eating at his very soul. Will her love and steadfast faith be a light that will lead him to a place of healing? Or will these very secrets and torments of his soul lead to more brokenness?

I found myself crying as the two struggled with their emotions, their past, their love and forgiveness. This author has done an excellent job of creating a story that will be hard to put down and even harder to forget. I believe it will become a favorite of many a reader as they journey into the deep and dangerous wilderness into the midst of the war with the British and the Indians. They will feel their heart wrench inside them as old family bitterness plays out on the battle fields and as prayers are lifted to God for an old testament miracle.

Absolutely outstanding.

Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thanks to Revell for this review copy.

A Confident Heart, Renee Swope

Renee Swope has written a book that is sure to make a difference for anyone who picks it up to read.

Have you ever struggled with feeling inadequate, fearful, and even unsure of who you really are or how you fit in as a unique part of God's plan? If we were all brutally honest most of us would say yes. There are times that fear has paralyzed us - fear of not being good enough, not being the right person for the job, fear of rejection.

In this book Renee invites you to peel back the layers and discover what is holding you back from true confidence. This confidence is in Christ and is the kind that is unshakable and life changing.

Truly a book that will cause a person to look deep into themselves. Learn to embrace your unique talents and gifts - being confident that God has a purpose for you.

Absolutely wonderful and highly recommended. I will be sharing this with ladies at my church.

Thanks you Revell for this review copy.

Blue Skies Tomorrow, Sarah Sundin

I was so excited to read this book. The third in the Wings of Glory Series, it can be read alone, but will be much more enjoyable if you read the two before it.

This book is set around the eldest Novak boy - Raymond. This story opens with Ray being transferred back home for a desk job. While at home he runs into a childhood friend, Helen. From the first sight of her his heart melts and he can think of only having her as his wife. He did not know that there were secrets and demons that Helen would have to face before they could ever develop a lasting relationship.

The story is so filled with up and downs, and twists and turns that it is hard to guess the ending. As Ray signs up for a tour overseas to fly combat missions and Helen steps out to confront the demons and lies from her past will they ever be on the same page.

In one year, while Ray is overseas, both are tested and must learn to lean completely on the Lord for their strength. Each must find out what God has intended for them and who they are in Christ.

I used many tissues as the stories of the Novak boys further unfolds and the depth of their family faith is exposed. The strength of faith of these boys changes and helps the women in their lives.

Absolutely a stunning book. Sarah Sundin has out done herself. I realize that with this book the series is most likely at an end - since all the Novak boys have had their stories told. However, there is still so much to be told about their lives. I would welcome yet another book to see the depth of character, love and faith to be further revealed in the next generation of Novak's.

Thank you Revel for this review copy.
Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Amish Values for Your Family, Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is by far one of the neatest books on Amish values and beliefs. Although I have no desire to travel north and join an Amish community I do see the benefits of many of their beliefs regarding family structure. This book explores this through personal stories of the Amish. It is truly an insight to a people that are truly set apart from this world.

If you are seeking to simplify your life - to return to a seemingly easier and maybe old-fashioned lifestyle this is a great book. The Amish have managed through the years to keep their life simple by focusing on the important things in life. I appreciated the reminders to value family above earthly things. From cover to cover this story is filled with encouraging ways to embrace a simple life in this hectic world.

I especially enjoyed the Amish Proverbs at the top of each new chapter. One I particularly like is "We Pass on our convictions to our children by the things we tolerate." (page 69). In fact this was posted on my FaceBook wall. I don't think people think about how what we tolerate effects our children. I have adopted this as one of our Proverbs to counter the inevitable "Everyone else is doing it" or "So and So's mom doesn't care". I want my children to understand that we must be different and must stand for what the bible says - tolerating no iniquities in our life but being quick to repent and turn.

At the end of each chapter is a section called Road Map: Getting There From Here. This section tells more in depth why the Amish believe what they do and how we can adapt this into our own lives. There is then a section called In their Words that has quotes from different scribes from different Amish Communities. I thought these were often funny and extremely personal. One that made me giggle was I have learned to be careful how I write Oleo when I send my husband to the store or he comes back with Oreos.

I would recommend this book for anyone needing some encouragement that the simple life can be attained even in this hectic world.

I received this book from Revell as a review copy.

Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

The Colonel's Lady, Laura Frantz

After the death of her mother Roxanna Rowan takes a dangerous journey to see her father who is stationed at Fort Endeavor in Kentucky. Chased by indians she leads a rag tag group of women and a mute child through the wilderness to the fort.

Once there she finds only heartbreak at the arrival of the Colonel and his announcement that her father is dead. Thus begins a heartbreaking journey of love, forgiveness and ultimate restoration of broken hearts. Holding fast to her faith and the beloved memory of her father Roxanna quickly becomes the heart and backbone of a desolate forsaken place.

In the midst she finds herself in love with the Colonel. However he is bound by a promise he made her father and a guilt that is eating at his very soul. Will her love and steadfast faith be a light that will lead him to a place of healing? Or will these very secrets and torments of his soul lead to more brokenness?

I found myself crying as the two struggled with their emotions, their past, their love and forgiveness. This author has done an excellent job of creating a story that will be hard to put down and even harder to forget. I believe it will become a favorite of many a reader as they journey into the deep and dangerous wilderness into the midst of the war with the British and the Indians. They will feel their heart wrench inside them as old family bitterness plays out on the battle fields and as prayers are lifted to God for an old testament miracle.

Absolutely outstanding.

Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thanks to Revell for this review copy.

Anybody Got a Clue About Guys?, Susie Shellenberger

Don't let the out-dated 80's cover throw you! This book has been around a while but it is packed with timeless information for young girls.

During their pre-teen and teen years girls seem to lose their confidence in who they are. They begin to doubt that they are pretty enough, smart enough, funny enough, ect. to ever be liked by boys of their age. They long to fit into the social network they are daily surrounded with. They are bombarded by television shows, ads, movies, music, media, and magazines to be and act a certain way. In these tumultuous waters it is often hard to navigate and become settled in themselves.

This book gives them the tools to do just that. It is an excellent resource for girls that are entering this age. I would even recommend that mothers and daughters take time to read this together. Navigate these waters with your daughter, remember with her the feelings you had at this time in your own life. Let her know that this is normal and workable.

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

The Mother Daughter Legacy, Carol Lewis & Cara Symank

A grandmother, Granddaughter team has written an amazing book about the importance of this thing called love!

As a young lady Cara Symank lost her mother to a tragic accident on the front lawn of her grandparent's house. Years later as an adult Cara begins to look back on the legacy that her mother left her. The very things that sustained her throughout the remainder of her childhood.

Together Carole and Cara have created a book that is a lasting legacy to a mother and daughter they both adored. In these pages you will discover what matters in the life of your children and how these things are passed down from generation to generation. This book explores the importance of letting your daughter know through your actions and your time how very much she is loved and how special you consider her. It is this love that will drive her to love others as she grows up.

I appreciate the sincerity and honesty of the writers in the exploration of a mother's long reaching effect. Are you leaving a legacy that will sustain your children? If you were taken today - what would your children reflect about your relationship with them? Have you instilled in them that they are loved, worthy, special and worth your time?

Thank you Gospel Light for This review coy.

When Women Worship, Amie Dockery

It seems that worship has become, like so many other things, a little refined by rules and traditions. The true act of worship seems to be lost to so many.

In this book Amie Dockery and Mary Alessi help women discover the true meaning of worship: intimacy with God. This most sacred relationship is forsaken due to shame, regret, past abuse, feeling unworthy. We have built up walls and made a list of reasons we do not deserve fellowship with the Lord. Yet His deepest desire is just that - a close fellowship with us - a transparent, intimate relationship.

When you begin looking at the truth of worship you will be invited into a new relationship with Christ and discover the courage to face all the things that have kept you out of the courts of worship and praise - out of the very presence of God. Here in His presence you will experience a love like no other and healing.

I enjoyed the stories of women who had experienced just this. Not a a how to but of things you must do, but rather a testimonial of how great God's love is and what a difference He makes. I challenge you to take another look at worship - find healing, peace, love, completeness and your identity in the one who created you. Release His power into your life!

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

The Naked Truth, Lakita Garth

I reviewed the book, Leader's Guide, Student Guide and DVD. Although you don't need all the material I would strongly suggest that you get it all.

Lakita Garth is very open and forthright as she discusses the dangers of sex outside of marriage. I will be honest in saying that this author cuts no corners and makes no excuses when dealing with this subject. In fact some of it is very much "in your face" and to the point. However, I think that this may be a good approach to take with teens today. So many have been left on their own to decide what to do and how to do it. So many are absolutely unguided. This book is direct enough to demand a teens attention and honest enough to make them stop and listen.

Today's teens do not want a rosy picture - they want the truth. They want and need the tools to make right decisions and know that these decisions will be for the best.

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

Saving My First Kiss, why I'm keeping confetti in my closet, Lisa Velthouse

After reading only the first chapter I got on the phone and started calling my friends! This is a book that everyone needs. It ranks right up there with Lady In Waiting. I will be giving it as gifts to friends who have daughters.

This is one of those life-changing books. In today's society girls are pushed into the dating scene. Pressured to be what everyone is and to do what everyone else is doing. Statistics show a rise in sexual promiscuity and at a younger age. In fact I am surprised at the pressure my grade school girl has felt for not having a "boyfriend". Too often girls that go dateless are made to feel worthless - the two words have almost become alike in today's culture.

Lisa Velthouse gives us a book that is so encouraging and uplifting. She shares her personal story a journey of feeling left out to being completely satisfied. Help your young daughter become centered in God's word and in her identity in Him. In the end at the alter she will present to her spouse the most perfect gift - and she will have the satisfaction of having followed God's design.

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

Eyes Wide Open, Brienne Murk

Avoiding the Heartbreak of Emotional Promiscuity....

What a timely book. There are so many resources out there about sexual promiscuity and abstinence. This book however, addresses the meaning behind the verse about guarding your heart.

With all the advances in technology the scene of dating has drastically changed over the past few years. Almost every teen carries a phone with texting and internet capabilities. Most have their own membership to a social networking environment such as Facebook, MySpace or Twitter. This creates a secret and separate world that parents are often not involved in. In this environment of not seeing people face to face teens feel more at ease to share with others in more open ways than they would do otherwise.

This book deals heavily with a person's thought life and what the bible says about this subject. I think that it is sad to admit that we prepare our children for physical interaction. Making sure we talk about sexual purity and protecting ones self this way. However, we neglect to talk to our children about emotional purity. Meaning we don't teach them that getting emotionally involved is just as dangerous as physically.

The danger being that the heart is being given away a piece at a time to whomever they are investing their emotions into. What a sad problem, and so incredibly dangerous.

If you want to protect your teen so that when they marry their spouse gets their entire heart, pure and whole - this is the book for you!!!

I will be sharing this with my daughters, and my sons. I want them to walk down the aisle one day emotionally and physically pure - with the heart intact. I want them to be able to present to their spouse a perfect gift of undivided love and innocence. I think in today's society innocence has been given a bad name.

"Even if we aren't having sex, endless cycles of dating and breaking up are...promiscuous. We are casually and indiscriminately giving away our hearts, one piece at a time"

Thank you Regal for this review copy! I have so enjoyed it!

The Chair, James L. Rubart

Restoration: to return something to its original condition. Isn't this the deepest desire in each of our hearts - one that has been there since the fall of Adam and Eve. We seek anything that will make us feel whole, complete, important. We strive for that feeling of the original condition - that feeling of oneness and rightness. Through Christ we find that as the layers of lies, deception, sin are stripped away and we are slowly restored through a lifetime to the original condition.

In this book Rubart explores this very theme - the need for restoration in the physical, the emotional and the spiritual.

When a strange lady appears at the door of Corin Roscoe's store he doesn't realize how drastically his life is about to change. With the gift of an antique chair Corin's life takes a drastic chair. Can this be a chair created by Christ himself? Does it really have the power to heal people? All these questions must be answered - and Corin quickly finds that he can not trust everyone in his life with this special adventure.

I really enjoyed the action of this book. I appreciate Rubart's exploration of the theme of restoration and the revelation of how precious our relationships truly are. That they are important enough to fight for.

If you enjoyed Rooms, and Book Of Days you will no doubt enjoy this one too. Rubart is becoming one of my favorite authors.

Thanks to B&H Publishing for this review copy.

Abe's Lucky Day, Jill Warren

I received this book as a review copy from the author Jill Warren. I feel blessed to have it in my children's library.

The story is about a homeless man named Abe. Though he has nothing but the clothes on his back (all big and shaggy), an unraveling hat, and shoes with no laces he takes every opportunity to share any abundance he has with those around. As the wind is blowing and cold he finds mittens that could have been slipped on his hands, but seeing another in need he passes off the blessing.

If you are looking for a book that will help your children understand giving and kindness this is the book. I would recommend it for churches as well when teaching about the golden rule, giving, kindness, thinking of others. No matter how bad Abe's lot was he was always looking for ways to lighten someone else's load.

This would also be great in the classroom setting. The illustrations are great and could lead to great conversation with little ones (just talking about what is happening in them). The story is simple enough that the children can understand what is going on. The lesson taught is universal: Give and it will be given unto you; treat others as you wish to be treated. And ultimately when we are not selfish we are blessed.

This is sure to be a favorite of anyone who picks it up.

Thanks again to Jill Warren for this review copy. This book is published by outskirts press, Inc.

This is a beautifully written book! Thank you Jill Warren for creating something that will surely become a classic.

Along Wooded Paths, Tricia Goyer

This is the second in the A Big Sky series and is equally as good as the first. Though it could be read alone I would greatly encourage the reader to read the first book: Beside Still Waters, in order to get a full understanding of the characters and their histories and struggles.

At the end of the last book I was sure that Marianna would be entering a relationship with Ben Stone. However, this book is the continuing struggle of her heart. With the unexpected arrival of Aaron Zook to her home Marianna is faced with having to decide what she should do. She feels as if she is being torn between two worlds - The Englisch and and the Amish.

As she discovers more about the God that she loves she begins to question the beliefs of the Amish - in that their way is the best and only way. As she struggles to reconcile this she is also dealing with the matters of the heart that seem to pull her in two different directions. One is the safe and expected way - to marry Aaron Zook a good Amish man. Aaron is the one she had planned on marrying while living in Indiana. The other is a path she has never traveled, one that will mean leaving the Amish way behind - this is allowing herself to fall in love with Ben Stone. A man who loves God and serves God with all his heart. This is the man her uncle Ike likes best because he is good christian man - who lives his life according to God not the traditions of man.

I found myself almost crying at the heartbreak Marianna was feeling and at the same time wishing she would follow her heart towards Ben. The ultimate question that must be answered is Will Marianna do what everyone expects her to do in order to maintain peace and happiness or will she ultimately follow God's will.

Though the book ends with an apparent answer to this question I am hoping that this is not what she actually chooses in the next book. This book ends with some unanswered questions that I can not wait to see answered in the next book.

I have to say that Tricia Goyer has done a superb job of leading up to the next book, leaving the reader hungry to know the rest of the story. I can not wait till the next one comes out!!

Thank you B&H Publishing for this review copy.

Release Date Oct 2011! Pick up your copy at your local store!

Along Wooded Paths, Tricia Goyer

This is the second in the A Big Sky series and is equally as good as the first. Though it could be read alone I would greatly encourage the reader to read the first book: Beside Still Waters, in order to get a full understanding of the characters and their histories and struggles.

At the end of the last book I was sure that Marianna would be entering a relationship with Ben Stone. However, this book is the continuing struggle of her heart. With the unexpected arrival of Aaron Zook to her home Marianna is faced with having to decide what she should do. She feels as if she is being torn between two worlds - The Englisch and and the Amish.

As she discovers more about the God that she loves she begins to question the beliefs of the Amish - in that their way is the best and only way. As she struggles to reconcile this she is also dealing with the matters of the heart that seem to pull her in two different directions. One is the safe and expected way - to marry Aaron Zook a good Amish man. Aaron is the one she had planned on marrying while living in Indiana. The other is a path she has never traveled, one that will mean leaving the Amish way behind - this is allowing herself to fall in love with Ben Stone. A man who loves God and serves God with all his heart. This is the man her uncle Ike likes best because he is good christian man - who lives his life according to God not the traditions of man.

I found myself almost crying at the heartbreak Marianna was feeling and at the same time wishing she would follow her heart towards Ben. The ultimate question that must be answered is Will Marianna do what everyone expects her to do in order to maintain peace and happiness or will she ultimately follow God's will.

Though the book ends with an answer to this question I am hoping that this is not what she actually chooses in the next book. This book ends with some unanswered questions that I can not wait to see answered in the next book.

I have to say that Tricia Goyer has done a superb job of leading up to the next book, leaving the reader hungry to know the rest of the story. I can not wait till the next one comes out!!

Thank you B&H Publishing for this review copy.

Release Date Oct 2011! Pick up your copy at your local store!

River's Song, Melody Carlson

A story of finding one's self and coming to terms with one's heritage.

A found this story to be a little slow to begin with, but after sticking with it I discovered that the story was very heart-warming and sweet. After the death of her mother Anna Larson returns to her childhood home. This is the first time that she has been back since marrying her husband. A widow for 8 years she has lived under the cruel and prejudiced hand of her self-righteous mother in-law. Presumably penniless, Anna finds solice on the river in the company of her mother's friend Babbette.

The family store has long since been closed but within the walls of the store and home Anna finds the answers to her deepest questions about her own identity. After canoeing in her grandmother's canoe she runs into Hazel, a woman writing a paper on the natives of the area. Hazel is excited after finding out that Anna's mother was an indian and her grandmother had practiced the old ways. Convincing Anna to let her study the history of Anna's family.

Little did Anna know that upon accepting Hazel's offer that her life would turn completely around. In this story Anna finds the strength and pride she had long ago buried beneath shame and humility. In fact everyone who visits Anna's place finds healing of some kind. Ultimately this is a sweet story about love after heartbreak.

Thank You Glass Roads Publications for this review copy.