Book Review: Behind the Veils of Yemen

Living in a nation that is filled with hate, anger, bitterness, and fear about the Middle East and the Muslim world I was drawn to this book about an American Missionary family who travelled to Yemen to bring light and hope to a dark and hidden world.  Behind the Veils of Yemen takes you behind the scenes of ground breaking, counter culture, and transformational movements in the Middle East.  The author, Audra Shelby tells the story of how her heart and spiritual journey was transformed during the time leading to and during their ministry in Yemen.  The story starts with Audra and Kevin as they embark on their missionary journey by joining up with a local ministry conference in the US for their evaluations.  In a tragic turn of events, Audra finds that God is already at work in their lives, preparing them both for the journey that lay ahead.  A majority of this book focuses on their first year in Yemen, spent in language study in the capital of Saan'a, and Audra's introduction into the Muslim culture of the women.  Their lives spent cloaked in veils to the public are much different in private.  Their devotion to Mohammad and his teachings seemingly unshakable, yet in any other area of life and they tremble and shake with no confidence.  Getting a glimpse into the lives of these women was so powerful- and it made my heart break for some of the ways they are so lost spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.  Though silent, you can hear their cries for a Redeemer, for a Abba-Father through Audra's narrative of simple, straightforward explanations of her experiences.  Shelby was not trying to convince me in this book with the idea of reaching a Muslim nation for Jesus- but her stories did their own talking.  This book surprised me in that it wasn't really about the transformation of the women that she encountered, but how the Holy Spirit encountered her during events and experiences in Yemen.  Shelby was open and honest about her spiritual journey during this time and her willingness to allow God to not stop working in her even though she was already what most people would say an A+ christian for being a missionary (to the Muslims no less!).  But Shelby was not content with remaining status quo as she attempted to share Jesus with others, but continued pursuit of her own intimacy with Christ.  I loved this book for the first 2/3.  After that, i felt the storyline became unfocused and moved too fast- it lost me along the way as I didn't really understand what was happening.  I would have also loved to hear any resolution on the stories or people that she told in the book.  I yearned for more of what she experienced, how the women of Yemen were transformed by the Gospel message, and even more background of why her and her husband chose a Muslim nation (post 9/11) on purpose.  Overall, a great read that will challenge you to seek out growth in your walk with Abba God.

I received a free copy of this book in return for a review from Bethany House Publishers, but my opinions are my own.

Book Review: Three Cups

Looking for a practical, long term teachable moment and implementation guide for money management in your children?  Three Cups by Tony Townsley and Mark St. Germain should be part of that solution.  Beautifully illustrated by April Willy, you are immediately captivated by a story of a young boy who receives an unexpected gift for his 5th birthday- 3 cups from the kitchen cupboard.  The story continues as the boy's parents introduce the idea of his allowance and how each cup serves a purpose.  The allowance would be divided into three cups a 'give' cup for giving to charity or back to God.  A 'save' cup for long term investing of sorts.  And the third cup is for 'spend'- money free to be spent as the child dictates.  The story follows the boy as he discovers putting the proceeds of the 'save' cup into the bank, accumulating the spend jar so he can buy the new baseball glove he's wanted, and how he uses the 'give' jar to buy food to participate in a charity cause.  The boy grows and continues to use his cups and then on his son's 5th birthday the cycle of the "great adventure" begins again.

What I loved:  The illustrations are outstanding, calm, and engaging.  I like the look and feel of the book- it has an antique feel which makes it seem more important than a typical fiction children's book.  I love the basic cup concept and how it is a great visual application of money management.  It is simple, direct, and productive.  While not a new idea to the world of money management for kids- this book does a great job at presenting the idea.  There is also a great parent's guide in the back.

What I didn't care for:  Being of a christian publisher, I was disappointed that the concepts of giving, saving, and spending were not backed up with the idea that these are Biblical principles and we do them out of obedience as God's Stewards and of his commands in scripture.  Beyond being a wise idea to give, save, and spend- it is also a spiritual issue and I feel this book would have been so much better and set itself apart from other books like it if it had included this.  I also wish they had shown less of the allowance aspect, and more on earning money to put in the jars.  I for the most part do not agree with allowances and would rather see kids see the value of work (another biblical concept) by earning money to put in their jars.  This book fell short in this area.

Overall this is a great tool to teach your kids about money, but it doesn't scratch the surface of what it means to be a wise steward.

I received this book to review from Book Sneeze and Thomas Nelson publishers, but my opinions are all my own.

Book Review: The Doctor's Lady

I had the chance to review a new novel by debut Christian novelist Jody Hedlund called The Doctor's Lady.  Set in the 1830's, America is still fresh off its independence win over the British and is now stretching it's wings as they expand west.  The Christian community at the time is mission minded, though with little understanding of the harsh realities of foreign fields.  Priscilla is a young, rich, but independent minded lady from a prominent family in New York.  Medical woes have left her, in her mind, decidedly unmarried and suitable for the mission front.  Her mind is set on India- until an unexpected visitor and and an unexpected letter from the mission board throw her plans upside down.  With this visitor, a doctor named Eli, and her thrown by a decision out of their hands, they 'make do' and decide to attempt a marriage of convenience so they both can pursue their dream of missionary life- this time to the Nez Perce Indians on the uncharted West Coast of America. 

Hedlund tells a gripping tale which she gleans right from history- and diaries- from the real character Narcissa Whitman.  Historical accuracies down to the detail make this story even more engaging and heart wrenching.  As the story unfolds you find two people in an unexpected situation facing uncertain times and situations as they make their way across the plains, rivers, and mountains of a land only inhabited by the unknown and unpredictable Indian tribes. 

I found this novel to be a welcome twist on the traditional romance novel especially given its true origins and Hedlund's attempt at making it as accurate to the true story as possible.  I am not one to get emotional while reading, but found myself nearly laughing or tearing it up as I read the story of characters I came to love unfold.  The only downside of the novel was that I failed to understand and believe the Squire's character.  His actions and intentions didn't seem to add up given the background and information given.  Especially in the early parts of the journey west.  Hedlund would do well doing a part two of this novel as I am eager to find out how this 'fresh' pair do in the Nez Perce society in the hard west. 

A thanks to Bethany House publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.  I was given a copy of the novel in return for my review, but thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Book Review: The Love & Respect Experience

I am a huge fan of Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs.  It has been a great tool to enhance and improve my marriage.  It shed light on areas of communication and actions that I hadn't thought of before.  That is why I chose to receive the latest installment of the Love & Respect products from Book Sneeze and Thomas Nelson:  The Love & Respect Experience:  A husband friendly devotional that wives truly love.  I was given this book in return for a review, without pretense.

I was quite disappointed as I worked through the first few 'lessons' in the Love & Respect Experience.  I was hoping for a great in-depth BIBLE study on relationships, love, respect, holy matrimony, etc.  Much to my dismay this source falls into the category of 'thought for the day'.  Each chapter (there are 52 intended to be once a week) is maybe 1-2 pages with only 1 verse as its base.  The verse seems to be more of an 'add on' to make it qualify as a devotional.  The verse is followed by thoughts from Eggerichs(which I found essentially to be 52 concise portions of the book Love & Respect.  These thoughts were followed by a suggested prayer and an action point.  I felt let down for the lack of scripture in the devotional.  I felt as though I was reading just another version of his book (which I do love). 

The saving grace are the discussion questions that are tucked back annoyingly in the back of the devotional as some sort of appendix.  Why not include the questions right in the weekly study?  It encourages discussion rather than make it more difficult!  If you have a short attention span or limited time- this devotional will work quite well as the 'lessons' are no more than a few minutes long.  I could see it working as a couple shared a cup of coffee in the morning.

If someone is interested in Dr. Emerson's works I would point to the original hit- Love & Respect and not this devotional.  It is simply not deep enough, challenging enough, or scriptural enough to be worth the extra dime and time.

Book Review: Gabby God's Little Angel

Thomas Nelson Publishers via Book Sneeze provides bloggers with books to read in exchange for unbiased reviews.  I am happy to present my review of Gabby God's Little Angel by Sheila Walsh.

With pony's, pretty girls in frilly dresses, angels, rainbows- this story is sure to grab the attention of any girl in your family.  Sophie is an adventurous little girl who has a precocious little angel named Gabby put in charge of her protection.  Gabby learns her responsibilities as on of God's Angels and helps to protect Sophie from falling off a horse.  At the same time Sophie learns of God's great love for her and how he has sent angels to protect her from the incident.

As with her other products, Walsh does an excellent job presenting her work with things that naturally attract little girls.  The illustrations by Marina Fedotova are wonderful and engaging.  I appreciated the voice and tone of the book.  Compared to Walsh's God's Little Princess series, the characters were more appropriate (I find the little girl in that series to be a rude brat at times and don't like my daughters picking up on that tone and language).

I think the presentation of the fluffy white cloud heaven with wings and halos is a little ridiculous.  I want to present a more realistic view of heaven- which I don't think scripturally is fluffy white cloud place.  I found at times the wording of the book to not roll of the tongue well- the same was true when my husband read it aloud to my girls.  There was a lack of rhythm that made this difficult to read whether silent or aloud.  It seemed as though the book was rushed through editing and publishing- more like a rough draft in its overall read. 

Overall this was a cute little story with a cute little message.  It is a simple way to not only introduce the idea of angels and how they guard and protect us, but also that God cares about even the little things like riding a horse.  Adorable and lovable characters with tremendous illustrations help this story along despite some of the downsides.

Book Review: Thunder Dog

I love a good biography.  Inspirational stories of men and women brought the brink, tested to the limits, or just living life as best as they can.  Probably one reason I like to 'stalk' blogs :)  Real life is so full of drama, intrigue, and resolve.  With my love of biography's and my interest in understanding more of what happened on 9/11 is what drew me to Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson and Susy Flory.  I almost feel fortunate to be able to share 'where I was' on that fateful day.  I see my nieces, nephews, and own children who simply have no idea of what happened.  I was a new college freshman, living three hours from home, trying to settle into a new independent normal.  I was in class that Tuesday morning when it began, and watched teary eyed in my dorm- desperate to just want to be home again.  The story of Thunder Dog is not just a survival story, it isn't just about what happened- but a story of teamwork, love, and discipline.  As stated early in the book it isn't about how Michael survived with his guide dog Roselle from the Twin Towers, but how he even got there in the first place.   His parents helped him chose a life of independence, freedom, and experiences.  Michael was not held back by what most would consider a hindering disability- complete blindness.  In Thunder Dog the story of what unfolded for Michael and Roselle on 9/11/01 is intertwined beautifully with stories of his past, stories of how got where he was, and how life experiences all helped him keep going in his descent from the 78th floor of the north tower.  His story is beautifully told in a humble and respective manner.  You are gripped by the scenes that unfold through this blind man's eyes and his dog's faithfulness.  While the connections to life, God, relationships, character are all available, I found it disappointing that faith in God was not more apparent in this book, considering Thomas Nelson is publishing.  I felt as though it was cookie cutter 'spirituality' that was offered (sparingly) with no real connection to a relationship with Jesus Christ and His faithfulness.  Michael Hingson has a wonderful story to share and does so exceedingly well with Susy Flory's help- but don't expect to be offered a direct spiritual element in the process.

Book Review: Spritual Warfare for Women

As a Bethany House Publishers Book Reviewer, I am given the opportunity to read new books and write online reviews of them in exchange I get to keep the books!  Its a great set up and I love having something to motivate me to read more.  Especially books that aren't always the first you want to pick up at the end of a long day.  This was one of them.

I'll admit, if I'm going to read, I like to enjoy something more along the lines of fiction, adventure, historical intrigue, or delve into lives of different cultures and places and times.  Christian development and discipleship are just 'hard' books to read.  They make you think more.  They challenge you.  And sometimes its just hard to want to read them after chasing around a preschooler and toddler all day.  But I felt challenged and led to give this one a try.  Little did I know the events that were about to unfold in our extended family nor did I anticipate the attack that Satan would hold just for reading such material.  My first word of this book:  be warned.  The author- the brutally honest, sincere, and funny lady Leighann McCoy (I don't know her but I love her!) does the same warning at the beginning.  One of the things Satan hates most is a growing intimacy with Christ in order to fight him off.  He will go gang busters to try and keep you from reading how the victory has already been won and here are tools to defeat his conniving schemes.

One of my favorite parts in McCoy's book is the chapters on Satan.  Who he is.  Where he came from.  I love learning how because Satan was once an angel, he and the other fallen have the same powers and knowledge that Godly angels do.  He just 'exists in the opposite direction of his original purpose' (p. 90).  Understanding Satan's schemes and his subtleties was also very helpful and empowering.  Knowing the enemy prepares you for battle.

While many chapters and stories that highlight her recent journeys through cancer, child waywardness, and a devastating flood I was most convicted by her example of the 5 smooth stones.  For me, the visual reminder (taken from the 5 stones David took to fight Goliath) of 5 ways to daily combat our fallen enemy will be the most helpful.  They apply to all areas of our walk that Satan loves to destroy:  marriage, children, relationships, and health. 

Thank you Leighann McCoy for finishing your book despite life's challenges.  Thank you for your example.  I highly recommend this book to any woman at any stage in her walk with Christ.