Monday, September 19, 2016

Book Review: PLAY WITH FIRE by Bianca Juarez Olthoff

Good afternoon, friends! I'm here with another book review - this time, it's Bianca Juarez Olthoff's PLAY WITH FIRE.

This is a great book - very fast read for me! - that talks about one's own desert time. (Think the Israelites after Egypt.) Bianca is a wonderful storyteller; she weaves her story and the Israelites' beautifully - and talking about the Holy Spirit and how God leads.

Bianca also breaks the way people hear from the Spirit into four different types, which I really appreciated; one of them is people who "see", the ones who receive visions. I know several people like this - I'm not one - and I've often wished I could experience that clear sight of His working. But there IS a category I fit into - I'm not going to tell you. :D You'll need to read the book in order to discover the other three categories. :D

I really enjoyed PLAY WITH FIRE. We serve such an incredible God - I felt His gentle eye-opening presence as I finished the book. I would recommend that you get it and read it - and then tell someone else about it! :D

Have a wonderful day, friend! Be BLESSED!

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Book Review: WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES by Laura Diehl

Good afternoon! Today, I want to share my thoughts on this book, WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES - about how to find a way to continue living when your child dies.

I volunteered to be on the launch team because of losing my nephew 4 years ago; I was looking for something that would help my sister, maybe - or would have when it happened - or some of the people I['ve met along my journey who also have lost someone.

Many of the launch team members struggled to read the book - no matter where you are in your grieving, there are things that can trigger sadness and tears. And I admit, there was a bit of that with this book. Add to that the cataract surgery and learning to basically read again, and it took me a LOT longer to read this book than it should have.

With that being said, I have purchased several copies of this book already to share with others. I did give it to my sister, as part of her "toolbox" - I think this is a resource that can be turned back to time and again, because of being able to "hear" more when you're in different places in your grief. I warned her that there might be a few triggers for her, and she set it aside. If she reads it or not, at least I know she has it.

I do recommend it for people who have lost someone they love, especially a child (adult or otherwise). I'm giving a copy to a new friend who lost her adult daughter at Christmas; her grief is still very raw, and I'm praying Laura's book will help her not feel so alone, and help her search for her peace.

Life is difficult; I firmly believe we walk through things not only to learn our own lessons and be refined by Him, but also to be able to walk through them with others. And this book is one way I wish no one ever had to share - but it is a comfort to know it's there to give HOPE.