DUG DOWN DEEP by Joshua Harris

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

I was so excited to have the opportunity to read and review Joshua Harris' book DUG DOWN DEEP: UNEARTHING WHAT I BELIEVE AND WHY IT MATTERS because it sounded like a book I really need to read right now. I believe one of the problems with Christianity today is that many Christians simply go through the motions without really thinking about why they are Christians.  It is so easy for those of us who were raised in the church to simply "go along" with Christianity because that is our personal tradition.  In order to truly grow as Christians, we need to really dig down to the bedrock of our faith and ask the tough questions about why we believe what we believe. This is the problem that Harris addresses in his book.

Harris shares his own personal journey of faith with his readers while explaining his views on the importance of church doctrine.  I tend to be very strict about my books. I don't really believe in writing in books or dog-earing pages. However, with this book, I got my pencil out and started underlining because there were so many ideas and points I wanted to go back to.  Harris also talks about certain books that have been important in developing his faith that I will definitely want to add to my own reading list.  I especially liked Harris' chapter entitled "God with a Bellybutton" where he looks at the significance of Jesus who Jesus is and why that is important.  Harris challenges us all to really look at our faith and why we believe what we believe. We cannot simply operate from a basis of comfort. To grow as Christians, we have to understand why we believe and what that really means. Otherwise, it is just empty tradition with an impersonal God.

You may purchase a copy of this book here.

BOTTOM LINE: Highly recommended.  This book really opened my eyes about how much work I need to do in my own faith life. I cannot just walk around saying that I'm a Christian like I would say I am a brunette or a Texan. It has to mean more than that and I have to know why.  Christian faith has to be an active and evolving thing and this book helps to pinpoint areas of study and contemplation.

40 LOAVES by C.D. Baker and GIVEAWAY

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

I am always on the lookout for a good devotional.  I often start them and never finish them because they seldom offer me what I need. There are plenty of books that address the needs of Christians who are content and comfortable in their faith. There aren't many that feed those who may have a "hungry spirit."  I was drawn in by 40 LOAVES immediately after reading the Note to Reader.  Baker begins this devotional by pointing out that it is okay to have questions and doubts about our faith. As he points out, "Questions invite authenticity."  It is so refreshing to hear someone say that!!!  40 LOAVES offers a series of bread crumbs (or more nourishing loaves) for those of us who feel a bit lost in our faith.  It challenges us to ask the tough questions.

I especially loved the sections on sin and feeling disconnected and angry.  Baker allows us to explore these feelings that many Christians want simply to sweep under the rug. For those of us who struggle with issues of faith and doubt, this book allows us a safe place to ask the tough questions.  Each section is only a few pages long and includes thought questions and a prayer.  This would make a great holiday gift to help those who wish to explore their faith in greater depth a great way to start the new year.  It also has forty chapters which would make it a good read for Lent as well.

You may purchase a copy of this book here.

I have a copy of this book to give away.  It would make a great companion book to start the new year with. If you are interested in winning a copy, please leave a comment here.  The contest will be open until Friday, December 18!

Value Gifts for the Holiday Season

These books were provided for review by the Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books Program.

I had the chance to read and review some books from the Waterbrook Multnomah value non-fiction line and from their 99 Ways line. I think the folks over at Waterbrook Multnomah must know me better than I think they do because they chose this title from their 99 Ways line to send to me:

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this little book.  The 99 ways are broken into 7 sections full of little bits and pieces of wisdom: Lean on Your Friends, Guard Your Rest, Write it Down, Dream a Little, Find the Humor, Pursue Healthy Diversions and Dive into Truth.  I find myself nodding my head many times throughout the book.  I especially liked the "Guard Your Rest" and "Dive into Truth" sections.  I'm not very good at guarding my rest and Colopy gives good examples of how to do this such as giving yourself a time-out.  The final section gives suggestions on how to deal with worry and fear.  Something I really need right now. This inexpensive little book provides a priceless trove of good ideas.

Buy a copy of this book here.

I also received this title from their value non-fiction line:

While I am a married gal now, I was a single gal for a long time. I didn't get married until I was 31. I probably could have used this book once upon a time. The book starts with the practical premise that the only thing we can change or control about our relationships is ourselves.  It then moves from taking charge of your own life and knowing what you want to understanding what HE wants so that you don't choose the wrong person.  I really appreciated the fact that this common sense book offers good advice from a Christian perspective.  Most everything that Hammond and Brooks say in the book is dead on. 

I felt that the best part of the book covered becoming a complete individual FIRST before seeking out a relationship.  God made us whole.  We aren't missing any pieces or better halves.  Your life can be complete without a romantic relationship. I think that people in that state of mind become far more successful when they DO enter a relationship.  If you are a Christian women looking for some solid dating advice (or know one who NEEDS some Christian dating advice), I would recommend picking up this book instead of something like THE RULES.

You can purchase this book here.