My Name Is Hope

Getaways are something special.

Time to relax.

Time to eat good food, prepared by someone else. =)

And, time to ... read!

I really do love to read a good book

but lately I have had other things

higher on the priority list.

So, when my husband and I took a little trip recently,

I grabbed a new book to take with me.

My Name Is Hope

by John Mark Comer

This book is about a life tormented by 

anxiety and depression and yet,

by God's grace has surfaced from the hellish pit

to see hope again.

This book is not one I would normally choose.

Fortunately, I have not personally struggled with these issues.

But, I knew the author and I was

curious as to what he had experienced and

what he had to share.

Boy, was I blessed!

A book for all, I believe. And this is why-

John Mark shares the tragic statistics for those who 

struggle with anxiety and depression.

He explains the whys and hows

that can lead to this life of bondage.

After reading this book I realized that 

yes, perhaps I am blessed with the absence of this condition 

in my life, but, with some careless bad choices

or a drastic turn of events in my life,

I could find myself in the same torment so many people share.

I loved his practical advice:

- forgiving: avoiding bitterness at all costs

- be in the Word of God

- take practical care of yourself

(eating well and getting enough sleep)

This became a guide book of sorts,

a reminder of what could happen and how

to avoid it by making positive, conscience decisions.

I've been reading lately how powerful the mind is,

that all thoughts are either fear based or faith based.

How we can soar on faith thoughts 

and plummet on fear thoughts.

I'm thankful for this insightful book.

Cling to Jesus as the source of hope.

And do all to put yourself in a healthy physical state.

That's what I took away.

Let me know what you think, should you pick up 

this little treasure.

Because of Jesus,

Eunora

Heaven Is For Real

Wow! I recently finished a wonderful little book.

I recommend it to you all.

In fact, I liked it so much and became so excited

About its message,

That I assigned it to my 11 year old son

As his first reading assignment.

He is loving it too.

The book: Heaven Is For Real.

By: Todd Burpo.

I am tempted to want to share with you

All my favorite parts,

About all the little nuggets

Little Colton reveals.

But, alas, I don't want to spoil it for you.

So I will briefly say this:

Colton, a four-year old little boy

has an unbelievable and miraculous

Experience in heaven.

Reading about his experience has

Confirmed my belief in this glorious place,

Where Jesus is Lord of all,

And all is well and good.

What a glorious day that will be!

Happy Reading,

Eunora

Book Reviews-

I've been wanting to keep a list of the books that I read, with a little smidget of information on each one, as a book log of sorts. This seems like a perfect place to do just that. Hopefully, I will encourage you to pick up one of my reads or to place your comments on a book you've read.

Her Mother's Hope and Her Daughter's Dream by Francine Rivers This two-book saga is a story you can't put down (aren't all of River's books?!) I loved the way the author took the reader through the lives of women from several generations, painting a beautiful picture of real-life love, hurt and restoration. Although not a Biblical study, I took away so much spiritual insight as I was reminded that we cannot think the worst in people because we simply don't know their whole story. READ THIS!

The Boy From Baby House 10 by Alan Philps and John Lahutsky

Wow! This book was enlightening in the saddest way. This story takes the reader through the journey of one boy who fought through the inhumane Russian orphanages to escape the miserable life they offered. Tragic and heart-breaking, this story doesn't ever become good, because now the reader is aware that there are others living a much less fortunate life. As difficult as many of the details are to read, this is an inspiring story of a boy who does come out with a promising future for himself.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

This was another book I couldn't put down! What an amazing story describing the racial tension between 'the help' and the white families that employed them. Set in the South in the 1960s, this historical novel was informative, disturbing, and humorous all packaged together in a yellow binding. Read this, and fast, before the movie comes out in about a week. =)

Happy reading,

Eunora