Showing posts with label Booksneeze. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Booksneeze. Show all posts
With everything going on recently it has taken me a tad bit longer to write the review for the book, "Petit Collage" than I had anticipated! BUT I am so excited to share with y'all my thoughts on it today!
Petite Collage's descirption overview reads as follows: "From the beloved design brand for nurseries, playrooms, and every space in between, Petit Collage shows you how to make 25 of their bestselling paper and wooden accessories for your home. Customize toy chests, create cheerful name plaques, build bunny clocks, and more, with artist and owner Lorena Siminovich. Breaking down each project with simple, illustrated step-by-step instructions, Siminovich presents easy tips on how to personalize the Petit Collage signature style with your child’s favorite colors and patterns. All you need are rubber stamps, paper, scissors, and the provided project templates to create a contemporary space filled with bright and distinctive décor. Whether you’re looking for unique paper toys or vibrant namesake prints, Petit Collage’s whimsical craft projects will inspire your children to put their little touch and big imagination into your family home. " (description found here)
I would definitely say that the description is exactly what is described. The crafts that are shown throughout the book are easy and simple to follow and the tips that are presented help the reader have the opportunity to personalize the craft for themselves. I would highly recommend this book and believe that it will be a delightful craft book that you would definitely enjoy!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I mentioned in April that I was thrilled to discover the website Booksneeze! This website offers the opportunity to receive free books in exchange for honest reviews from bloggers. I was excited to find this site because as y'all know I do love reading and what a great opportunity! I also appreciate the opportunity (as a writer) to examine someone else's work! There are so many talented writers in our society! *smiles* In April I did my first review for them on the book: Days Like These: Even in the Darkest Moments, Light Can Shine Through by Kristian and Rachel Anderson and today I am excited to share my review of the book Notes from a Blue Bike: The Art of Living Intentionally in a Chaotic World.
This book is filled with stories. Stories of life. Stories of choices that we make. Stories of longing to live intentionally in this world and to make a difference. Tsh Oxenreider (the author of the book) takes us through her own personal experiences of living all over the world (including places like Russia and Wales) back to the United States while examining the idea if it is possible to live with intention (and grace I might add) in this fast-paced culture that we live in. While the concept of the book might not be new (I think this is a question that we all have examined at one point or another) her writing style is delightful and her stories create a backdrop that allows the reader to consider her words on a deep level that stays with you long after you have put the book down. The book is complex in its ability to touch at the heart and soul of all who read it.
"In the midst of all these messages vying for your attention, let the crux of this book sit in your belly and rumble true; we were made to live with intention beyond the status quo. Don't waste your years punching time clocks, sacrificing your ideas and passions and relationships without purpose." (page 88)
No matter who you are ... we all have dreams and relationships that we may have sacrificed trying to keep up with the "status quo". This book is inspirational and inspired me along my own journey right now to not get caught up in "status quo" but to keep seeking out where the Lord wants me to be and who the Lord has put in my path right now for me to love. On a personal note it was very interesting to read this book right at this time period.
When I received this book I was in the middle of a similar conversation (of choosing to live intentionally) with a blogging community whose membership I had been apart of for a year. I was "removed" from because I didn't "write enough posts each week". When I had tried to speak with them regarding my health issues and the focus that I am putting on that and the relationships in my life I was informed "I did not have pride in my blog". I was told that this group had "reviewed my blog" and did not find it "acceptable". I tried again to explain that I was struggling with Cancer and Advanced late stage Lyme Disease and was informed that those that had "reviewed my blog" had no time to read through each person's History. I was informed that I "did not live up to their standard of living and that my blog was a reflection of that". It was crazy, hurtful, and made me think for a couple of days. It was also extremely disheartening to hear that to this particular group (whom I had previously thought was more about people and relationships) thought this way. And it was at that point freeing to realize that we were on completely different paths of what we each felt is important.
And that is OK.
I wish that particular bloggy group well and pray and hope that the choices that they make will bring them the peace and happiness (and some rest as they told me that they are "extremely exhausted" from all of their commitments).
It was also a huge reminder to me as I go forward on my healing journey of choosing the priorities that are intentional. Because I truly believe that people do want to live with intention and not just "live busy".
"More than anything, living according to my values and my passions in the real world means extending grace upon grace to others when I intentionally live differently. The same goes for you as well. ... (and) that's okay. Love them, show them grace, and walk through life with a teachable spirit, freely knowing you don't need their approval in order to live consistently with your values." (page 208) Love this! We can live our lives in freedom as seek to live intentionally and extend lots of grace on our journey's in the process!
If you are looking for a great read as we approach summer I definitely think that you will enjoy this book! In closing I will leave you with a quote from Shauna Niequist, one of my favorite authors, who had this to say about the book (and I couldn't agree more!): "Tsh has a gift for making what's hard feel doable and what's overwhelming feel manageable, like a smart friend you meet for coffee and wisdom. I feel understood, and at the same time, inspired to live with more intention and creativity." Amen!Thank you for a wonderful book Tsh Oxenredier!
I would love to hear how y'all choose to live with intention each day? What are things that you do to protect yourself from living chaotically in this busy world?
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com
In this book Marie Monville does an amazing job of weaving her story as the former wife of the shooter and how her life was transformed by not only her faith in God but this grace and forgiveness that was offered to her and her children (and other family members). The way that these lives were bound together and the relationships that exist till this day could only come about by God. Marie paints and shares this beautiful story (and what has happened since that awful day) in such a way that the reader honestly forgets that they are reading a book but instead truly feels like that you are sitting down with her and she is voicing this story to you. At many moments in this book I was brought to tears and literally did cry at the beautiful picture that is exposed in "Wall of Grace" (a moving and emotional chapter in the book). As I walked away from the book I was inspired by the tender story of faith, the thread of hope that surrounds extreme crisis, and the beautiful faith of a people that I didn't know much about. There was such beauty in this book that this simple review would not be able to do it justice.
This book has been life changing to me and over the last several weeks I have read it many times - making notes and highlighting sections that have continued to resonate with me. If you are looking for a book that is meant to inspire you will find that but you also will find much more. You will find the extraordinary way that God is not only working in Marie's life but in your own.
"Hopelifter" , written by Kathe Wunnenberg (who also has a ministry designed to touch and encourage those who are hurting) shows how people can lovingly and kindly touch those in their lives and in their world. Kathe Wunnenberg takes the time to show creative and compassionate steps to help those in our lives. As the description of the book stated this is "the perfect book for women who want to spread hope in their friendships, workplace, neighborhoods, and homes, and ideal for those in caring roles in churches and ministries".
I definitely recommend this book. If you are interested in learning more about the book or about Kathe Wunnenberg check out her website HERE.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com
I mentioned in April that I was thrilled to discover the website Booksneeze! This website offers the opportunity to receive free books in exchange for honest reviews from bloggers. I was excited to find this site because as y'all know I do love reading and what a great opportunity! I also appreciate the opportunity (as a writer) to examine someone else's work! There are so many talented writers in our society! *smiles* In April I did my first review for them on the book: Days Like These: Even in the Darkest Moments, Light Can Shine Through by Kristian and Rachel Anderson.
The book that I chose to review this time was called Resurrection Year: Turning Broken Dreams into New Beginnings by Sheridan Voysey. To be frank I actually finished the book last week while I was stuck in the airport due to bad weather but have taken a few days to process through everything that I read. While the book might be termed "simple" by some (due to its easy read) the book is complex in its ability to touch at the heart and soul of all who read it. While I could not exactly relate to the issue that the couple was experiencing {infertility} I could relate to the concept of your life being totally opposite than you had planned and wrestling with shattered dreams and broken hearts. In many ways I am sure that everyone can relate to a book like that at one point in our lives.
There were two things that the book spoke to me loudly about. First, I was struck by the way that Sheridan was willing to sacrifice his thriving and (what most would deem) successful career for his wife who had been sacrificing her dream (of having children) for him. Although I am not married, I, along with many others can count on our fingers the number of marriages that we see that exist like that in the world. Most people that we see walk away when it gets to hard or it isn't beneficial to themselves. The opposite - in a humble and with raw honesty- is portrayed in this book. THAT alone deserves for us to stand up and clap for their marriage. For their bravery to face the future that maybe they hadn't expected to face on their wedding day. For their courage to live out their wedding vows when most people are quick to throw in the towel. For their humility in thinking that this may not affect anyone else. And maybe if nothing else- just a round of applause for sharing with us their hearts. You have truly inspired many, not only myself.
Second, I was struck by the honesty that the book portrayed in examining our lives, our beliefs about God, and our suppositions about who God is when our dreams do not always work out the way that we had envisioned. What does that mean? Has God abandoned us? Does God even care? What does it mean? This book explores with humility these themes and allows the reader to explore them with them.
No matter who you are ... we all have dreams that we may have lost or seen shattered. This book has inspired me along my own journey right now in a season of shattered dreams. This book is different then any other book of its kind (and believe me, this year I have read a ton on this subject). Most books you walk away with the "happy ending" and the bow that is wrapped around the story. That is the book or the story that most people cheer for. But as I discussed in a post from early June the journey also brings hope - even when the ending is not what we had planned or imagined. The journey can bring the hope... and sometimes that is in itself a miracle. This concept of hope in a specific outcome ... is this an American christian ideal that we have placed on the gospel? On the Lord working things out "the way that we want"? I am not sure. What I am sure though is that the book, while maybe not having the ending we expect or hope for challenges, inspires, and encourages me that I am not the only one in the midst of a "Resurrection Year". Sheridan, I appreciate your candor and your story more than I can express. Your willingness to share your story has changed countless people, including mine. Thank you!!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.combook review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The book that I chose to review this time was called Resurrection Year: Turning Broken Dreams into New Beginnings by Sheridan Voysey. To be frank I actually finished the book last week while I was stuck in the airport due to bad weather but have taken a few days to process through everything that I read. While the book might be termed "simple" by some (due to its easy read) the book is complex in its ability to touch at the heart and soul of all who read it. While I could not exactly relate to the issue that the couple was experiencing {infertility} I could relate to the concept of your life being totally opposite than you had planned and wrestling with shattered dreams and broken hearts. In many ways I am sure that everyone can relate to a book like that at one point in our lives.
There were two things that the book spoke to me loudly about. First, I was struck by the way that Sheridan was willing to sacrifice his thriving and (what most would deem) successful career for his wife who had been sacrificing her dream (of having children) for him. Although I am not married, I, along with many others can count on our fingers the number of marriages that we see that exist like that in the world. Most people that we see walk away when it gets to hard or it isn't beneficial to themselves. The opposite - in a humble and with raw honesty- is portrayed in this book. THAT alone deserves for us to stand up and clap for their marriage. For their bravery to face the future that maybe they hadn't expected to face on their wedding day. For their courage to live out their wedding vows when most people are quick to throw in the towel. For their humility in thinking that this may not affect anyone else. And maybe if nothing else- just a round of applause for sharing with us their hearts. You have truly inspired many, not only myself.
Second, I was struck by the honesty that the book portrayed in examining our lives, our beliefs about God, and our suppositions about who God is when our dreams do not always work out the way that we had envisioned. What does that mean? Has God abandoned us? Does God even care? What does it mean? This book explores with humility these themes and allows the reader to explore them with them.
No matter who you are ... we all have dreams that we may have lost or seen shattered. This book has inspired me along my own journey right now in a season of shattered dreams. This book is different then any other book of its kind (and believe me, this year I have read a ton on this subject). Most books you walk away with the "happy ending" and the bow that is wrapped around the story. That is the book or the story that most people cheer for. But as I discussed in a post from early June the journey also brings hope - even when the ending is not what we had planned or imagined. The journey can bring the hope... and sometimes that is in itself a miracle. This concept of hope in a specific outcome ... is this an American christian ideal that we have placed on the gospel? On the Lord working things out "the way that we want"? I am not sure. What I am sure though is that the book, while maybe not having the ending we expect or hope for challenges, inspires, and encourages me that I am not the only one in the midst of a "Resurrection Year". Sheridan, I appreciate your candor and your story more than I can express. Your willingness to share your story has changed countless people, including mine. Thank you!!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com
I mentioned in April that I was thrilled to discover the website Booksneeze! This website offers the opportunity to receive free books in exchange for honest reviews from bloggers. I was excited to find this site because as y'all know I do love reading and what a great opportunity! I also appreciate the opportunity (as a writer) to examine someone else's work! There are so many talented writers in our society! *smiles* In April I did my first review for them on the book: Days Like These: Even in the Darkest Moments, Light Can Shine Through by Kristian and Rachel Anderson.
Last month I requested the book: Persecuted: A Global Assault on Christians written by Paul Marshall, Lela Gilbert, and Nina Shea. The book profoundly discusses the widespread persecution of Christians and how persecution has not decreased but instead continued to increase in the 21st century. While the book takes a very theoretical and logical approach to the topic and can sometimes read like a news report there are emotional stories of oppression, abuse, and violence that span the globe found in each chapter. These stories allow the reader to easily connect to the book. In the last part of the book the book offers suggestions on how Christians can deal with the persecution that they and the church at large face today.
To be honest the book is shocking to read in some parts as I did not know how much widespread persecution is taking place throughout the world. My heart broke for those around the globe that have to deal with the intense persecution that is described in this book. While some areas that persecution occurred did not surprise me I was shocked at some corners of our planet that I did not know endured persecution.
I would definitely recommend that every Christian read this book and be inspired in a fresh and hew way to share your faith. I would also recommend this book to understand the persecution and the way that Christian beliefs are threatened around the globe. How can we not understand and do something about this when there are brothers and sisters around the world dying or enduring horrific abuses?
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.combook review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Last month I requested the book: Persecuted: A Global Assault on Christians written by Paul Marshall, Lela Gilbert, and Nina Shea. The book profoundly discusses the widespread persecution of Christians and how persecution has not decreased but instead continued to increase in the 21st century. While the book takes a very theoretical and logical approach to the topic and can sometimes read like a news report there are emotional stories of oppression, abuse, and violence that span the globe found in each chapter. These stories allow the reader to easily connect to the book. In the last part of the book the book offers suggestions on how Christians can deal with the persecution that they and the church at large face today.
To be honest the book is shocking to read in some parts as I did not know how much widespread persecution is taking place throughout the world. My heart broke for those around the globe that have to deal with the intense persecution that is described in this book. While some areas that persecution occurred did not surprise me I was shocked at some corners of our planet that I did not know endured persecution.
I would definitely recommend that every Christian read this book and be inspired in a fresh and hew way to share your faith. I would also recommend this book to understand the persecution and the way that Christian beliefs are threatened around the globe. How can we not understand and do something about this when there are brothers and sisters around the world dying or enduring horrific abuses?
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com
A couple of months ago I found out about a website called Booksneeze which I was so excited to discover! This website offers the opportunity to receive free books in exchange for honest reviews. I was excited to find this site because as y'all know I do love reading and what a great opportunity! *smiles*
I requested for my first book: "Days Like These: Even in the Darkest Moments, Light Can Shine Through" by Kristian & Rachel Anderson. The book is written by Kristian Anderson (and is mostly based on his blog posts) during his fight with cancer. The book is written from his first hand account and includes numerous posts from beginning to his final post shortly before he died. The book (as the back cover states) is a book filled of inspiring posts that are filled with hope and courage to hold onto hope even in the darkest moments.
There are several reasons that I think that this book is worth reading:
First, those that are also desiring to be inspired and amazed by the depth of faith that Kristian had despite his struggles will also enjoy this book.
Second, those that are looking to understand or know the thought process of someone struggling through cancer will learn alot from this book.
Third, as a person struggling with a health diagnosis I was inspired by Kristian's faith despite his health circumstances. Throughout each post he weaves his reality with the truth and hope of the love of God. One quote from his final blog post that truly inspired me was: "There is a crack in everything . That's how the light gets in... The truth is, we're all broken, we're all cracked, and what so many people see as a fault or a malfunction really is something to be considered useful."
Fourth, one thing that really inspired me and stuck out to me was a comment that he made in regards to boundaries with those that said hurtful things throughout his illness. This really stood out to me because on this weeks Thursday Health Thoughts I plan to discuss the importance of boundaries in relationships while you are ill (or just in general in life)! One quote that Kristian wrote that I loved was: "When you come to see me or my family, there is now a dress code in effect. Come to us wearing Faith & Hope, and you will be warmly welcomed. Come to us wearing Fear and Doubt, and you will be politely asked to leave. This dress code will be strictly enforced. NO exceptions." (page 46) Another one that he wrote: "I'm weeding out the voices, no matter how well intentioned, that would bring harm, and allowing only those that bring hope and peace."(page 132) I would keep writing more but you will have to wait for Thursday!
I will be honest that I did enjoy parts of the book, but the book also has its difficult moments for several reasons. Kristian's posts are filled with such raw honesty that it was difficult to read as you knew that he was going to lose his fight with cancer and leave his young wife and children behind. Another thing that was difficult was that some of the posts seem a little scattered to follow and that can make it confusing. Part of the reason for this is because while there are some parts of the book that have dates (and posts refer to dates) other parts are not dated and makes it hard to piece together a correct time frame. Finally, I would have liked to have seen more of Rachel's input at parts instead of the sporadic posts that she did. To be frank, her posts were also sometimes confusing because she would put her thoughts in at the end of a chapter and you would have to go back to re-read some of the chapter to fully understand her perspective. I am not sure, but part of the reason for the "disjointed" feeling might have been the lack of time since Kristian's death and being "so close" to the material.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.combook review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I requested for my first book: "Days Like These: Even in the Darkest Moments, Light Can Shine Through" by Kristian & Rachel Anderson. The book is written by Kristian Anderson (and is mostly based on his blog posts) during his fight with cancer. The book is written from his first hand account and includes numerous posts from beginning to his final post shortly before he died. The book (as the back cover states) is a book filled of inspiring posts that are filled with hope and courage to hold onto hope even in the darkest moments.
There are several reasons that I think that this book is worth reading:
First, those that are also desiring to be inspired and amazed by the depth of faith that Kristian had despite his struggles will also enjoy this book.
Second, those that are looking to understand or know the thought process of someone struggling through cancer will learn alot from this book.
Third, as a person struggling with a health diagnosis I was inspired by Kristian's faith despite his health circumstances. Throughout each post he weaves his reality with the truth and hope of the love of God. One quote from his final blog post that truly inspired me was: "There is a crack in everything . That's how the light gets in... The truth is, we're all broken, we're all cracked, and what so many people see as a fault or a malfunction really is something to be considered useful."
Fourth, one thing that really inspired me and stuck out to me was a comment that he made in regards to boundaries with those that said hurtful things throughout his illness. This really stood out to me because on this weeks Thursday Health Thoughts I plan to discuss the importance of boundaries in relationships while you are ill (or just in general in life)! One quote that Kristian wrote that I loved was: "When you come to see me or my family, there is now a dress code in effect. Come to us wearing Faith & Hope, and you will be warmly welcomed. Come to us wearing Fear and Doubt, and you will be politely asked to leave. This dress code will be strictly enforced. NO exceptions." (page 46) Another one that he wrote: "I'm weeding out the voices, no matter how well intentioned, that would bring harm, and allowing only those that bring hope and peace."(page 132) I would keep writing more but you will have to wait for Thursday!
I will be honest that I did enjoy parts of the book, but the book also has its difficult moments for several reasons. Kristian's posts are filled with such raw honesty that it was difficult to read as you knew that he was going to lose his fight with cancer and leave his young wife and children behind. Another thing that was difficult was that some of the posts seem a little scattered to follow and that can make it confusing. Part of the reason for this is because while there are some parts of the book that have dates (and posts refer to dates) other parts are not dated and makes it hard to piece together a correct time frame. Finally, I would have liked to have seen more of Rachel's input at parts instead of the sporadic posts that she did. To be frank, her posts were also sometimes confusing because she would put her thoughts in at the end of a chapter and you would have to go back to re-read some of the chapter to fully understand her perspective. I am not sure, but part of the reason for the "disjointed" feeling might have been the lack of time since Kristian's death and being "so close" to the material.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com
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