Tortured For Christ: Audiobook Review

I received this book courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review. 

Narrator Thoughts: Normally even when you are listening to a book about people in a different country, most narrators don't adjust their voices for the place where the author came from. I thought that Alex did an amazing job of speaking distinctly and speaking in a German, Russian, or Romanian accent depending on the place in the book. It was very good. He gave a depth and meaning to the book that was very helpful. 

Book Thoughts: I had heard about this book for many years. Now I know that the reports were not exaggerated. I found this book challenging and convicting. 

It clearly details the struggles and tortures of the underground church around the world today. It exposes the communist party and how their "churches" are nothing more than a front to hide the fact that there really is no religious freedom. 

I wouldn't recommend this for younger readers because of some of the graphic content. All true and very powerful. 

This is very powerful book. It reminded me of my suffering brothers and sisters around the world. I need to pray for them and help them. 

You can buy this book on Amazon or Christian Audio    

Chose Love: Audiobook Review

I received this book courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review.

Narrator Thoughts: Another author read book that was fantastic. Stormie does an excellent job of bringing the pages to life. The emphasis and passion that she gave to this book were very nice.

Books Thoughts: From the first chapter I found Choose Love to not only be an informative book about the love of God, but also a call to love God and others. As I listened I my soul was  not only impressed with a sense of how much God loves me, but also a sense of how that compels me to love others. When you have been loved, you cannot help but love. This book was very encouraging to me. It reminded me of the Father's love for me.

The only thing that I didn't like about this book was that at one point she said that if your earthly father was abusive it is very hard for you to understand God as your loving Father. While I know that this is true, I also know that blaming others for our struggles is not the answer. Awakening to the reality of His love is a struggle no matter what your childhood looked like. But letting God and His love come in and heal us from the scares of the past, that is the real key. Again this is just my personal thought.

Through personal experiences and stories, Stormie shares her heart about the love that has captured it. At the end of each chapter she had prayers and verses tying in with what she talked about in the chapter. I found them very refreshing.

You can buy this book on Christian Audio or Amazon

Audiobook Review: Praying For Your Prodigal

I received this book courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review.

Narrator Thoughts ~ He had a rich and deep voice that brought this book to life. It almost felt like the author himself was reading it. The book was read with such tenderness and passion.

Book Thoughts ~ This short, yet wonderful book was so helpful to me. Even though I'm not waiting for a prodigal I found this book extremely encouraging. The letters from parents of real prodigals at the beginning of each chapter gave a touch of realism and hope. Kyles thoughts and musings inspired me. His honest and gentle style is encouraging. At the end of each chapter there is a prayer, each one is beautiful and honest.
That's one of the things I liked most about this book. Kyle was honest about pain, the hope that we have, what we can do, and letting God take care of our prodical.
I would highly recommend this book.

You can also buy this book on Amazon and through Christian Book Distributors.

Update

Hi everyone.

It's good to be back. For a moment at least.

To be honest, I've missed blogging. I've missed connecting with you all online and sharing my life with you.

Lately I've been volunteering, sewing for the hospital, reading more, enjoying family, helping making some films, and living life.

Things have been such a mix this year. I've had some really amazing things happen. Continuing to volunteer, family time, filming, etc. I've also had some hard thing come into my life. My Dad was diagnosed with a Cognitive illness, I've been struggling with discontentment, and trying to decide where God wants me.

It's been a year full of challenge and blessing. And through it all God has been there, loving me, helping me, showing me the way to go. Even though I've been confused, I've never been alone. Even though life has been difficult at times, I've always had the strength to get through. Even though I've cried out in pain and hurt and frustration, I've always found loving arms waiting to hold me.

I don't have it all together, but I'm becoming okay with that. The great thing is I know the one who does have it all together. And He doesn't need any competition.

So today, my goals are to enjoy the life I have and lean a little closer to the one who gave it to me.

God bless you, Rose

Love Walked Among Us ~ Audiobook Review

I received this book courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review. 

Narrator Thoughts ~ Once again I was treated to an author read book. It always adds an extra demention to the book when the author can add his or her own touch to the book. I enjoyed hearing this author read his book with emotion and passion. While it wasn't the most perfessional I've heard and at times I felt they could have done a better job of editing. Still I think the soulfulness and beauty of the author reading it was worth it. 

Book Thoughts ~ The title of this book was intriuging to me. The past few years God has been showing me how to trust in His love and love others in the same way. Sadly though, lately I had been slipping into the habit of being selfish. This book challenged me to the core. Through personal struggle and looking at the life of Jesus, Paul shows how we can love like Jesus. After I was halfway done with the book, I noticed my perspective was changing. I started to notice others needs. Instead of getting upset, I would try to see it from their perspective. Instead of confronting a friend about an issue, we sat down and I gently told her what I was seeing cause a rif in our relationship. We cleared the air and we were both built up. When I chose to lift her up and see things through her eyes, the result was the deepening of a relationship. 

This book was so good at just showing how Jesus loved and showing how we could love in the same way. I love Pauls mix of honesty and story. It was exactly what I needed to hear.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn to love like Jesus loved and loves. 

You can buy this audiobook at christianaudio.com or amazon.com 

Here Is Our God - Audiobook Review

I received this book courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review.

Narrator Thoughts - I thought that both of the narrators did a wonderful job of making the chapters come alive. I liked how it would alternate between the two of them. It added a nice freshness and depth to the narration. Besides both of them have very melodic voices. It made it a very enjoyable listen.

Book Thoughts - I greatly admire and enjoying reading books from the authors that worked together to write this book. This work was beautifully put together and very refreshing. Each bringing their own thoughts and encouragement to the table was uplifting. So many of the chapters hit it home for me. The chapter on the Holy God was very good. How God is God. He is worthy of praise and worship. Yet he chose to reach out and love us. Through story and scripture the writers encourage you to live for God and dwell on Him. It's a wonderful listen for anyone.

You can find this audiobook on Amazon & Christian Book

Audiobook Review: Taking God At His Word

I received this audiobook courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review.

Narrator Thoughts ~ Steady and calm. His voice was perfect for this book.

Book Thoughts ~ I had listened to Crazy Busy a few months ago and really enjoyed it. To be honest when I started this book I was expecting a book that would stir me on the same level.
It did make me want to read my Bible more. To listen to what God was saying and not always take other peoples word for what was said.
However I felt like sometimes he went off on a theology discussion and lost me. I could see what he was saying, but I felt like he followed rabbit trails at times.
Overall I felt the book was a good reminder to dig into our Bibles, but not as good as his last book.

Audiobook Review: A Loving Life

I received this audiobook courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review.  

Narrator Thoughts - While he had a wonderful and passionate subject to talk about, he didn't put as much passion into his voice. I felt at times he came across as flat and just saying the words. He did well on reading at, just not as much passion as I would like. 

Book Thoughts - I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't anything that I hadn't learned before, but the reminders and the way he presented the information were encouraging. 

He explains how eastern people would have thought about this story and then meaning of the Hebrew names. It adds a whole new dimension to the story. 

In an age of disposable relationships and the talk of love as a feeling, it's refreshing to hear love talked about as a covenant. True love gives itself away without any strings attached. Love continues no matter the season. Inside of committed love, we thrive. 

Ruth shows us how when we lose our lives, it's then that we really start to live. By following her example, we too can grow and thrive inside of true love. 

You can get your own copy of A Loving Life by Paul E. Miller on Christian Audio or Amazon.  

Prepared For A Purpose: Audiobook Review

I received this audiobook courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review.

Narrator Thoughts - This woman did an excellent job reading this book. Her southern African-American accent blended beautifully with the story to life for me.

Book Thoughts - I thought this would be a tough book, but I wasn't prepared for how tough. However I found Antoinette's story inspiring. Her life is a testimony to what God can do though you if you make yourself available. She let God work through a broken marriage, a life falling apart, a son with chronic health issues, and a suicidal heart to prepare her for the place she needed to be.

It reminded me that the challenges and struggles that I am facing right now, are going to be used by God to bless and encourage others. The hardships will be redeemed.  

Keep going. What you do is making a difference. If you are drowning in heartache and doubt, know that God is right there with you. He will see you through this.

You can buy this book on Amazon and Christian Audio.

Grace Abounding To The Chief Of Sinners : Audio Review

I received this audiobook for the purpose of writing a review. 

Narrator Thoughts: His voice was perfect for this role. Steady, yet full of emotion. As I listen he made the book come to life. Almost as if the real John Bunyan had invited me into his living room and was sharing this with me. I enjoyed it very much. 

Book Thoughts: This was such an encouraging book for me. I've struggled with doubts of my salvation and fears about being close to God. To know that even those that are considered leaders in the church, have struggled and overcome fears, doubts, and attacks of the evil one. 

In this book, Bunyan express his heart and struggle. He opens up about his deep inner thoughts and how God calmed him and gave him peace. He takes the reader on the journey of healing that God brought about in his life. It's an encouraging and refreshing book. 

I liked one expression he would us in from time to time. "God dropped a thought in my head."  

The only thing that was a slight drawback was that in was still in it's old english. I had to pay attention sometimes to understand what he was saying. But it did give me a good feel for the author and the times in which he lived. 

If you would like a copy of this audiobook check out Christian Audio or Amazon