The Power Based Life by Mike Flynt

I received a free copy of The Power Based Life by Mike Flynt from BookSneeze a while ago and never got to reading it (Christmas time, getting over Christmas time, hand surgery, everyone with the flu and bronchitis, you know the drill). I finally got around to it and can't wait to share this book. Written with an encouraging and inspiring voice, the author shares personal experiences, scriptures, and various stories that will uplift and inspire. Every time I set the book down I felt encouraged to take charge of my life- to control what I can, to have a better attitude about what I can't, and to realize my will and drive extends much further than I previously thought. I'm going to try to convince my (non-reading) brother to give this a try- I think he would love the sports analogies (and the encouragement!)

The Time Traveler's Wife

Long, long ago I heard about this book becoming a movie and that it was great. I checked it out from the library, read a few pages, and couldn't get into it, so I returned it. Later it finally became a movie (with the beautiful Rachel McAdams instead of Jennifer Aniston like I'd heard at first, is that even remotely true?) I put the movie in my Netflix queue ages ago, when it was in the theaters. We finally had it on the computer and I hadn't watched it for months. Ben kept threatening to delete it. One night I was up late working on my knock off Pottery Barn Kids Felt Telluride Advent Calendar and, having exhausted slutty medical drama's from my dvr (love you, Grey's), I watched this. It was great, so I decided to read it. As fate would have it, I found a copy at Saver's for two bucks a few days later so I took it home. I knew the ending (mostly) from the movie but couldn't wait to see how the book would be different.

I have to say, this book engrossed me more than any I've read in a long while. I was dying to find out what would happen next, see how the relationship would progress, how their lives would change. I loved it. I read it as quickly as I could (without overly neglecting my kids or my house) and wanted to tell everyone about it except, I was worried to recommend it. The language leaves something to be desired and there is a lot of sex in the book. I would give the book an R rating even though the movie was only PG-13! I don't think the book was really graphic or inappropriate, or even excessive, but I wouldn't feel comfortable recommending it at Church book club for sure! Call me a hypocrite, though, because I'm definitely reading this again, and that doesn't happen too often! I loved the characters, laughed and cried with them, and only wished she would have left out some of those bad words, because this book was wonderful!

Ten Lessons to Transform Your Marriage by Gottman

I've learned about Gottman and his research extensively in school, read his book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, so I was excited to read this new book- Ten Lessons to Transform Your Marriage. It started like his other book and I felt kind of like I was getting a review of the last movie to enjoy the sequel. However, I felt like the book never really took off of it's own. Nothing felt especially new to me and even after I renewed it three times, I couldn't find the energy to finish this book. Have I learned from Gottman? Yes. Do I think about his four horsemen anytime I find the urge to criticize character or speak with contempt? Yes. But one of his books was enough! Sorry, I didn't even finish this one!

A Leader's Heart

I truly believe we are all leaders in our own spheres, whether it is among our families, our communities, or even just as masters of ourselves. That's why I was so excited to read A Leader's Heart from John Maxwell. I received a free copy from BookSneeze and was so impressed with the quality of the book. It's absolutely beautiful and the first page I opened to gave me something to think about. I have different roles- woman, wife, mother, church leader, and they all must be balanced. Everyone I work with or serve is important and different. Reading through this book and taking the chance to reflect on the ways I can improve as a leader was wonderful. I can't wait to follow through the yearly diary and see how I can be better each day.

Max Lucado's Out Live Your Life

You Are Special is one of my favorite children's books so I was excited to read this newest book from Max Lucado, Out Live Your Life. I recieved a free copy from BookSneeze and started reading it immediately. It's a quick, easy read but also thought provoking. I love all the stories he shares about ordinary people making a difference. Sometimes, between all the housework and responsibilities I have with my little kids it's hard to feel like I can make a difference, but this book made me feel like I really can. I love how he explains that Jesus, the ultimate example, was humble and diligent. He worked and served and we can too. God has given us gifts so we can love and serve those around us, like His Son did. Lucado also shared the story of Mother Theresa and said, "None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone. And when we help them, we serve Jesus." And that is what it's all about. I loved this book and appreciate the chance I had to reflect and think about how I can apply these important principles to my own life!

One Hand Two Hands by Max Lucado

I love You Are Special by Max Lucado so I couldn't wait to get ahold of his latest children's book, One Hand, Two Hands. My free copy from BookSneeze came in the mail and my son and I eagerly opened it. It was absolutely wonderful! The illustrations are happy and attention grabbing- my son loved seeing what came next. Even better, the words were sweet, meaningful, and easy to understand. I loved this and can't wait to read it over and over again with my children- to help them learn the meaning of service and the difference that they can make.

Wild at Heart by John Eldredge

I was very excited to receive this book from Booksneeze, the companion volume to Captivating. Written by John Eldredge, it claims to unlock the secret to a man's soul. I could tell from the very beginning that my husband would identify with this book and hope to get him to read the pair. Together I think they provide a good perspective on making a relationship work between two very different kind of people (because like the authors said in both books, we are certainly different, but God made us that way!) The Christian insight was also appreciated. Good read!