If You Have a Craving I Have a Cure

This book offers its readers a change of perspective on as to Why we eat, what we crave and how we fulfill ourselves.  Divided into little chapters according to "your craving", I find that it was rather neat seeing how I can not just put food in my mouth but apply the Word of God and a thought to my soul.  It was rather a refreshing read, and is different.  It was different in that I felt that I needed to digest the book in segments rather than sit down and read all in one sitting.

If you are thinking about recipes--this book is chock full of really delectable new recipes I've not heard or made of before!  Most of her recipes were really healthfully fulfilling for me.  I love that each recipe corresponded to the chapter she wrote about.  For example in Chapter 9 it is entitled "Craving Raw Food and Real Faith".  She ties in "Raw" and "Real" to encapsulate the essence of what we desire...raw and real faith/food.

I find it very a approachable, straightforward and the verses appropriate and right on to address our "cravings".  The way author, Sheri Rose Shepherd, relates our very real food cravings to spiritual ones is very insightful!  I found it refreshing to relate a craving I have to a spiritual one.  It changed my perspective on how view eating!  On a personal note I found myself redirecting my very fleshly appetite to think first on what God's perspective is through his word and not just pouncing on whatever food binge I was about to go off on.  Sheri does this through her "Soul Food" and "New Life Recipes" sections throughout the book.  Lastly, she deals with the food cravings by introducing a yummy new recipe!

I think this book is something that one who loves food and wants God to be the God of our appetites and what we eat...will really enjoy.  The chapters are short and easy to read.  Though allowing things to sink in will take time and some rereading of chapters.  I find that the cure for the craving is a change of perspective on how I view food!

Some of her awesome Recipes include:
Sweet Balsamic Chicken Delight
Not Your Mama's Meatloaf
Midnight Chocolate Truffles

Good for You Greens Soup
Raw Mango Pudding
Mint Pear Salad


I enjoyed it and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure: I have received a free copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing it. I was not compensated in any other way. I have provided my honest opinions of this book and all words are my own.

Tyndale House Review: Lead for God's Sake

Lead For God’s Sake is a fictional book with the concepts of how one ought to lead.  In my opinion it scores a 3.5 out of 5 stars in terms of story line.  I think that the story line is a bit predictable which is why I rated it the way I did.  From a reader's point of view, I felt that the book could have had a more interesting story line or different point of view in which the story was told.  I did however enjoy the principles of leadership displayed in this book which would earn it a 4 out of 5 stars.  There were times when I got some light bulbs click on and times where I did get convicted about my “reasons” for doing what I do in various situations.  As I read on into the book, I did get into it, and really wanted to read it till the end.  I think it is an enjoyable book to read.  Apart from the storyline, I would recommend this book for those who are in places of leadership. 

For me I find that I did have some soul searching in my heart to do that was because of parts of the book convicting me.  I think that anyone reading this will gain valuable insight, and even learn something for them when it comes to every day life.  

 One may find this book available at Amazon stores.

Note: Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid for this review and the opinions are my own.

Book Review: Safely Home by Randy Alcorn

Summary of Safely Home:

 Randy Alcorn's heart for this book was to write a fiction book that is a melting pot of many very non-fictional events and realities that have happened to those in countries where real Christians are really persecuted.

While telling the story of Li Quan whose legacy seems to be martyrdom, Randy was able to intertwine in the book the sole thought of God's Sovereignty.  He is in control of every circumstance.  And He works every circumstance for good to the glory of God--even through great sorrow and loss.  In this book you can catch a glimpse of how He is at work in the characters of Ben Felding and Li Quan.

Every circumstance and detail seem to be purposed by God even the hard ones we can't explain.  I feel that this book can be the story of everyone in some shape or form.  I felt myself encouraged, ashamed, repentant, forgiven, and joyful.  Many times I found myself thinking the exact thoughts that one person was thinking--I feel that this book is an encouragement to every believer and non believer too.  --An encouragement that life is more than this world.  There is hope and joy and life in Christ Jesus that is more filling than anything this world can offer.  This book is also about knowing that the sufferings of this present world is but for a moment in light of eternity. 

Lessons Learned:
People face persecutions because of their faith in Jesus and their desire to read the Bible everyday. 
Often times I find myself just cold, uncaring, and desensitized when I hear about brothers and sisters in some third world country being persecuted for their faith.

Have you ever felt that way?

How often does one get overwhelmed or even feel so detached from news like this?  For me, it is quite often.  I feel sorry and pity for them in one second, and forget about them in the next!  I hate that I am shallow in this sense.  But this book, Safely Home  awakened me from my cold emotions.  I was not overwhelmed nor burdened by the weight of knowing all the horrible things people are going through.  Instead, I felt love and compassion come back again, and that cold uncaring feeling melted away.

I believe God showed me that my part in all this was to be a prayer warrior for these brothers and sisters.  He never asked me to conquer the world or anything...but what  I could DO is to pray. Instead of feeling detached or pity or sorrow for them because I feel incapable and  can do nothing, I feel like I am taking out the enemy with the biggest guns ever---PRAYER! 

JOY and HOPE and LOVE for those who I could not see seemed to take bloom. 
Not joy because others are suffering, but the hope and joy that I know will come in the morning for them.  I pray that they remain faithful until the end and be strengthened with His might.  I pray that they know that "Real Gold Fears No Fire".  Also, joy that I can get to see those who I have never seen before in heaven. 

Conclusion:

• In short, I love this book and I heartily recommend you pick it up to read--I already have a friend who is going to get my copy of the book to read! 

• I give this book a 5 out of 5!

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.