Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

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It has been a while since a book made me laugh out loud. And I don’t mean a little chuckle to myself. I mean an audible laugh that would make people turn their heads if I was reading it in a public place. He Numbered The Pores On My Face, by Scarlet Hiltibidal is that book. I originally wanted to review this book so that my daughter could read it. However, I found it to be an engaging and inspirational read with takeaways for myself as a grown woman.

The book is divided into three sections:

• Section 1: The Gospel Redefines Who You Were
• Section 2: The Gospel Redefines Who You Are
• Section 3: The Gospel Tells You Who You’ll Be

The teenage years are a prime time for people to be in search of their identities. Each section of this book is filled with examples from the Bible and the author’s own life. These stories illustrate why it is important to find our identities in the One who created us instead of trying to measure up to worldly standards. Hiltibidal is in her 30’s, but she recalls events from her teenage years with so much detail, it was as if they happened yesterday. He Numbered The Pores On My Face is a great read for teen girls and it can also spark some meaningful conversations between moms and daughters.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Back Roads to Belonging, by Kristen Strong, is a book that shows “unexpected paths” to find “your place and your people”. As a military wife, the author has experienced being the “outsider” on numerous occasions. She knows what it feels like to not belong and is open about sharing about her past with her readers. Not belonging is a topic that is often addressed towards kids and teenagers, but adults can have the same type of feelings.

This book is helpful because it encourages readers to find their identity in Christ. It is divided into three parts: Wandering, Finding and Inviting. Each section is filled with examples and lessons from the Bible as well as Strong’s own life. The part that resonated with me the most was the Inviting section. As an introvert, it is easiest for me to stick with the friends I already have instead of making a concerted effort to reach out to others. Strong shows us how the smallest gestures of kindness can mean so much to others who may feel like that they do not “belong”. Her examples illustrate how important it is to show the love of God to others.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.

In Strong: How God Equipped 11 Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Power (and Can Do the Same for You), Catherine Parks features eleven stories designed to inspire young boys. However, I think this book would inspire any reader, young or old, male or female. It shows how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

The eleven men that are featured in this book are:

• Alvin York
• George Muller
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• Brother Andrew
• Elka of the Wai Wai
• Eric Liddell
• John Newton
• William Carey
• George Liele
• Jim Elliot
• Jackie Robinson

I like how the people Parks writes about come from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life. Some stories are more well-known than others, but they are all remarkable in their own way. In a time when it seems that people who do evil things receive the most recognition, this book shows the younger generation that heroes exist in real life. The fact that these men are all Christian shows how faith in God can help people overcome obstacles and glorify Him in the process.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

In When You Need to Move a Mountain, Linda Evans Shepherd outlines key steps to being an effective prayer warrior. Prayer does not come “naturally” to everyone, including myself. I appreciate how this book methodically addresses intercessory prayer. First, Shepherd explains what intercessory prayer is. Next, she provides examples of how intercessory prayer works, both from the Bible and her own life. Some may write-off some of her examples of answered prayer as mere coincidences. However, those who have witnessed God answering prayers will recognize the power of God at work.

Shepherd also addresses the issue of when God does not answer our prayers, or when they are not answered in the ways we request. Ultimately, there are some answers we will not receive here on earth, but this should not stop us from petitioning God through prayer. When You Need to Move a Mountain has several practical chapters, including Prayers for Our Families, Prayers for Others, Prayers for Provision, Prayers for Healing, and Prayers for Communities, Churches, Pastors, and Nations. These chapters serve as an excellent reminder of some of the many topics that we can lift up in prayer. This book is an excellent resource for those who are looking for guidance regarding intercessory prayer.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

The Very Best, Hands-On, Kinda Dangerous Family Devotions, by Tim Shoemaker, contains 52 devotions for parents and their kids. These are not your ordinary “read a short story, read a Bible passage” type devotions. Instead, each devotion includes an object lesson that engages kids while teaching them valuable lessons at the same time. Each devotion also ties the activity with Biblical principles and verses.

Some of the devotion activities include: making an electric pickle, using invisible ink, making a water slide and lighting toothpaste on fire. These types of activities definitely have “kid-appeal”. I can see how kids would be more apt to remember the lessons associated with this type of “active learning” as opposed to passive listening. However, I recognize that the preparation required from parents would be much more involved than just opening up a book and reading from it. There is a range of complexity for the different devotions, so it is probably best to start out with some of the simple ones first instead of feeling like you need to go in order. This book would also be good for teachers or speakers who need ideas for reaching young people for Christ.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Small groups are a way for people to gather together for Bible study and fellowship. They also serve as a vehicle for spiritual growth, friendship, community and accountability. D and I have been part of a small group for over ten years now, and we have experienced the benefits as a family. Leading Small Groups, by Chris Surratt shows the reader “How to gather, launch, lead, and multiply your small group”.

Surratt and his wife have had a lot of experience leading small groups, so he has seen what works and what does not work over the years. He provides a step-by-step framework that is practical and “do-able”. This book reminded me that small groups are not supposed to be an exclusive, insular club, but outreach groups that aim to serve others and the community. I think this book would be helpful for first time small leaders as well as those with experience.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Lies Girls Believe & The Truth That Sets Them Free, by Dannah Gresh, is part of a series called “Lies [fill in the blank] Believe”. There is a book for men, women, and young women. This book for girls is meant for girls 8-12 years old. I had k read this book and I read it as well. I find that reading the same books as your kids is a great way to open up communication lines.

Lies originated in the Garden of Eden and continue to this day. This book discusses lies that girls believe about God, myself, family, sin, being a girl, boys, friendship and the future. I like that there is a wide range of topics. Even if a girl may not personally be struggling in a certain area, she may have a friend that is. Or it may be an area that becomes a struggle a few years down the road. Lies Girls Believe contains advice that is Biblically-based and advice that I, as a mom, would want my daughter to hear. The fun graphics also make it an easy and engaging read. I would recommend this book for tween girls so that they can hold on to truth instead of being deceived by lies.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

I sometimes struggle with making decisions, big and small. I like to weigh my options carefully and am often worried about what will happen if I make the “wrong” choice. This often leads to “analysis paralysis” where I am stuck in a position of doing nothing because I cannot decide which path to take.

In The Next Right Thing, Emily P. Freeman gives us a Biblical framework for making life decisions. Freeman does not recommend simply making pro/con lists and going along with the longer column. Instead, she shows us how to listen to God’s direction for us and to analyze the decision in the bigger context of his plan for our lives. At the same time, Freeman shows the reader why it is important to focus on what Jesus wants us to do next, rather than be consumed by our own ten-year plans. I found The Next Right Thing to be an interesting and helpful book. Freeman offers several examples of decision-making situations from her own life and her writing style makes her relatable. I would recommend The Next Right Thing to anyone who is facing an important life decision.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015) was a prolific and popular Christian author. One of her books, Joyful Surrender, 7 Disciplines for the Believer’s Life, was originally published in 1982 and republished this year. Even though Elliot wrote the book over thirty years ago, the Biblical wisdom she imparts is still relevant for today.

The seven disciplines Elliot covers in this book are:

• The Discipline of the Body
• The Discipline of the Mind
• The Discipline of Place
• The Discipline of Time
• The Discipline of Possessions
• The Discipline of Work
• The Discipline of Feelings

Discipline is a topic that probably turns some people off from Christianity. The word discipline sounds rigid and not like much fun. However, God calls us to obey Him, but that obedience requires discipline. Elliot shows how this discipline should take place in every aspect of our lives, and that discipline can ultimately bring us joy!

Trying to live a disciplined life by ourselves is impossible. Although Elliot offers practical advice on how we can develop certain habits and thinking, she also emphasizes how we need to ultimately rely on God during our journey to a disciplined life. If you know Elliot’s story, she went through difficult times that most of us cannot even imagine. Joyful Surrender is a testament to how we can continue to obey God’s desire for us to live a disciplined life for Him despite our trials. Elliot’s life is an example through which we can all learn.