Monday

31 Days of Drawing Near to God by Ruth Myers

Book Description:  Draw near…
He’ll answer your deepest longings. 
 Do you enjoy the soul-satisfying intimacy with God you were created for? In this heartfelt devotional, beloved author Ruth Myers invites you to a personal, daily encounter with your first, last, and best love.
 Each brief but deeply satisfying reading explores the riches of God’s passion for you and your true identity as one in whom He delights. As you engage your heart with His, you’ll discover anew the joy of hearing Him speak to you individually, tenderly, in life-changing ways that will root you firmly in relationship with Him.
 Experience lavish love, astounding mercy—and an intimacy more satisfying than you’d ever imagined possible. Draw near to God, and He’ll draw near to you. 

My Review:  This is a small, not pocket sized book, that is filled with discovering the loving arms of God's peace.  31 days is about one month so there is a read for each day of the month.  Each chapter is headed by a number; for example, Day 2 . . . with a title underneath the number. . . "He Can More Than Satisfy Me."  Each chapter is about two to four pages in length giving the reader a scripture reference and then Ruth Myers expounds on the title/thought.  Day 2 has the scripture, "This is real love,' we read in John 4:10. 'It is not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (NLT).  Ms. Myers then expounds on the real love of God.  I love this from Day 2, "If we want real love, ideal love, perfect love, God's heart is where to find it.  It's the only love big enough to meet the deep needs in your life and mine."  Love that thought!  
There is also a mini story about a widow and her children.  Ms. Myers uses this mini story as an illustration to go along with the verse.  
Ms. Myers draws form her intimate life with God.  Drawing from her well of deep thoughts and prayers she extends to us the ideal love . . . the true love of our Father.
This is a wonderful 5 star book for a devotional to go along with your daily Bible reading.
This is one of those books that makes a perfect gift for Valentine's Day or to place in an Easter basket.  It would also make a wonderful "encouragement card" for a lonely or suffering person in your circle of friends.
Take time to draw near to God and He will draw near to you!
*This book was provided for review by Reader's Favorite.com*

Buy book HERE!


Thursday

The Dragon and the Turtle GO ON SAFARI


Book Description:   “Padraig, my friend, it is time for us to be courageous.”

Padraig the dragon and his best friend, Roger the turtle are determined to spend the whole night outside. As brave explorers at the base of Mount Sillymanborrow, the boys use their imaginations to have fun while munching on crunchy baked bugs and toasting s’mores over their campfire. But when the sky gets dark and the sounds of strange animals fill the forest outside their tent, their safari gets scary. This adventure is just what the boys need to discover that the dark might be frightening, but their friendship is stronger than fear.

My Review:  A cute, sweet story of two friends - - - a dragon, Padraig, and a turtle, Roger, by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark.  Colorful, sweet illustrations by Vincent Nguyen enhance this great book for young readers. 
The story begins as the two friends are toasting marshmallows over an open fire and as they are eating they decide that it's a grand idea to spend the night outside.  
So the safari begins.  Roger gets a big flashlight and wants to tell a fantastical legend but Padraig is afraid and doesn't want to hear the story.  Not wanting to disappoint his friend, Padraig, tells Roger he can tell the story in the morning.  Sweet, loyal friends who are best friends!
While spending the night in their tent in the great backyard the two begin to hear night noises.  The young reader is introduced to different wild animals that one might meet on a safari.  After awhile the two troopers decide that home base is the best place to be at night and head indoors.  They decide that the adventure will be there for them in the morning!
Since Roger doesn't get to tell his fantastical legend the legend is told as a separate story on the last four pages of the book.
The scripture for this story is Deuteronomy 31:6:  "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid . . . God goes with you; he will never leave you."  A wonderful verse for young ones to know and memorize so that when they, too, go "out on safari" God will be with them!
*This book was provided for review by for Reader's Favorites.com*







Wednesday



In Memory of Leisha Kelly



On January 25, 2011 a wonderful author, Leisha Kelly, went home to be with her Savior.
I've read many of Leisha's books and I will miss her writing.
But now she safely resides in her heavenly home!







Here is a list of the books she wrote:
1.    The House on Malcolm Street 
2.    Julia’s Hope
3.    Emma’s Gift
4.    Katie’s Dream
5.    Till Morning is Nigh
6.    Rorey’s Secret
7.    Rachel’s Prayer
8.    Sarah’s Promise
9.    Tahn
10.  The Scarlet Trefoil
11.  Return to Alstair


The Wiersbe Bible Study Series . . . Nehemiah

Book Description:  The life of Nehemiah is an inspiring testament to the power of determination. Years after Jerusalem’s defeat by Babylon, the Jewish people returned to their land, only to discover a city left in ruins. Surrounded by enemies, Nehemiah finds himself tasked with an overwhelming charge: To rebuild the walls of his beloved city. This Bible study examines Nehemiah’s remarkable journey from the everyday to the extraordinary, and explores the unique power found in perseverance.
 The Wiersbe Bible Studies Series explores timeless wisdom found in God’s word. Based on Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s popular “BE” series, each study provides topical, relevant insights from selected books of the Bible. Designed for small groups, this eight-week study features selected commentaries from BE Determined, engaging questions, and practical applications, all designed to help you connect God’s word with your life.   


My Review: Dr. Warren Wiersbe has become a favorite Bible teacher of mine because he expounds on the Scriptures so that the "common man" can understand God's Word.
This is an eight-week study and includes an introduction to the book of Nehemiah, tips for small group study, self-introspective questions, and practical applications. Throughout the study, portions of Dr. Wiersbe’s “Be” commentaries are included to provide greater insight and to encourage those participating in the study to continue to deepen their study of God’s Word. Then as one continues the study one may want a more in depth study and decide to use Dr. Wiersbe's commentaries for a more complete study.
There is plenty of room in this book to write notes but I suggest that you obtain a notebook and write your answers and questions out.  It makes for a nice study guide if one should decide to go back and study this book again.
Dr. Warren Wiersbe has devoted his life to the deep examination of God’s Word. He is an internationally known Bible teacher, former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago, and the author of more than 160 books. Among this large body of written work, the “Be” commentary series has become a resource that millions have come to rely on for over thirty years. Dr. Wiersbe also served as the contributing editor of The Transformation Study Bible. The timeless insights on Scripture provided by Dr. Wiersbe have helped countless numbers of readers to better understand and apply God’s Word to their daily lives. Known to many as the “pastor’s pastor,” Dr. Wiersbe combines historical explanations and thought-provoking questions with the unchanging truth of Scripture in such a way that believers at every level of spiritual maturity can easily grasp its relevance.
I'm truly enjoying this Bible study and studying God's Word has never been easier!  Why not grab your own copy of this 5 star Bible Study Series?
*A review copy of this book was provided by Karen Davis of The B & B Media Group*











Studies to be released this spring include:
Nehemiah: Standing Firm in the Face of Opposition – Nehemiah was an ordinary man given an impossible task: to rebuild the war-torn city of Jerusalem. This Bible study examines the life, legacy, and perseverance of Nehemiah.                                                                                              (ISBN: 9780781404556/softcover/144 pages/$8.99/February 2011)
Revelation: In Christ You Are an Overcomer The book of Revelation is one of the Bible’s most mysterious books. This Bible study takes a practical approach to Revelation and shares how one can experience a victorious life.                                                                  
 (ISBN: 9781434702319/softcover/144 pages/$8.99/February 2011)