Monday, March 21, 2011

Redeeming Love and other greats! :)

Of all the books I've ever put on the shelf saying that I'd never read, I'm so glad that I pulled down Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers! Initially, I thought that it wasn't my type of book and that I would not be interested. My pastor's wife suggested it first and then my dance teacher, and then multiple people afterwards. Finally, I was convinced that I had to read this book to see what the hype was about.

My friend and I read it together....or rather I should say she started it and I decided I could beat her to finishing it and picked it up 2 days later! I was not able to put it down and had it finished in 2 evenings! WOW! What more can I say about such a story? That book is AMAZING! I was quickly hooked and went on to read The Atonement Child (Thanks to Mimi who knew I would love it and bought it for me! :D ) and The Last Sin Eater as well as some other Titles! I love these books!

And because I love these books, I believe that you should all check them out! there is also a contest going on and you can find out more about it here:

http://www.tyndale.com/blog/?p=1042

or on Francine Rivers' page on Facebook!

All the best!

~Brittany

Saturday, March 19, 2011

What Are You Waiting For? Yada, Yada, Yada and Much, Much More!

When I first received this book, my first reaction was one of excitement. (I LOVE NEW BOOKS!) My second reaction was "Oh snap! Now everyone is going to know I read this!" But I am reviewing it nonetheless and I hope you stick around to hear what I have to say about this book.

Back in 2007 I went to one of Dannah Gresh's Pure Freedom events and ever since then, when I would hear the word "yada" my mind would instantly take me back to that event where I learned the true meaning of the word. It's not the equivalent of "blah, blah, blah" as I had initially thought, but it's real meaning is "to know, to be known, to be deeply respected." This is something that I have held onto ever since the Pure Freedom conference all those years ago.

In What Are You Waiting For? Dannah takes this word, "yada" and traces it from Genesis to Revelation shedding light on God's view and purpose of sex. (Oh I just said S-E-X. Are you feeing uncomfortable yet?) Well, if you are this book will be a hard read for you. 

This world has turned sex into something that is no big deal and something that "everyone is doing" and has completely disregarded the sacredness of it that God had intended.

What Are You Waiting For? also brings in several other topics including

-"Friends with Benefits"
-Masturbation
-Pornography

And other topics as well. In short:

Friends with Benefits - Not only is this a sin, but it's also impossible for both parties NOT to be hurt in the process. With the way God made us and because this is not in His plan for us, it leaves you broken, confused, and having "benefits" in there is a complete lie! There are no benefits.

Masturbation - This is addressed directly and as the sin that it is.

Pornography - To quote a friend of mine, "Pornography cheapens sexuality, objectifies the human body, reducing it to an object of gratification. " Dannah expands on this topic more in her book.

Other topics include homosexuality and other difficult sexual issues.

What Are You Waiting For? Is written in a blunt manner and could be an uncomfortable book to read. That much Dannah writes to you on the first page. As this is written to an older audience (mainly senior high and college girls) I would recommend it for the audience to which it is written and no younger than that. The direct style in which it is written is much needed in the world today. The main message in this book is abstinence.

Before you might have been thinking "yada, yada, yada" as in  "blah, blah, blah" but after reading this book, I know that when you hear "yada, yada, yada" it will have a whole new meaning to you!

Friday, March 11, 2011

SoulPrint - Discovering Your Divine Destiny by Mark Batterson

"There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal." - C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory


In SoulPrint, Mark Batterson takes you on a journey of self-discovery while exploring the life of King David and walking through his destiny getting a clear view of his soul print.

When I picked up this book, I knew it would be a good read - but it did not occur to me how it would change my own mindset on my divine destiny.

Mark takes you through this journey hitting on key points to help you discover your destiny. Some of these points include:


  • Confidence
  • Divine Delays
  • Letting God lead
  • Integrity
  • Willpower
  • Your Own Weaknesses
  • Your Strengths
  • And there are others!
Mark expertly takes you through and raises questions to bring you to a place where you must question your own divine destiny.

God created us uniquely. And each of us has a unique calling on our life and a different journey of getting to where we are called. Our calling and our journey make up our soulprint. But the purpose of our soulprint is to show the very prints of God himself as He has shaped us to be!

Consider SoulPrint a guide in taking your first steps towards self-discovery and to finding your soul print. What mark are you destined to leave?

This is a must read! You will be challenged, encouraged and blessed by the message that Mark Batterson shares in this book!