Battle Ready by Kelly Balarie

I did receive this book at no charge from the publisher for my unbiased, honest opinion.

This book is fantastic! As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, I can absolutely see the benefits that this book will bring for many years to come. It is not your typical book that you read once and are done with it. This is one of those books that you can read and re-read, over and over and always get something new and helpful from each time.

The author outlines 12 mindsets that we all at sometime or another get stuck and how to correct these mindsets to make our lives better. Each chapter is gives an example of how someone has struggled with that mindset. She breaks the examples down so they are easy to follow and understand. She goes over how each issue has different points of view (or mindsets) that you could view the issue and how each of those points of view provides different possible outcomes. It helps you to understand your options in similar situations, and since each chapter has an example struggle of the author or another person, it really allows you to relate to the individuals personal struggle.

My favorite was the activity chapter. I think this is something that we all struggle with at some point. Whether it is listening to others or our own little inner voice telling us not to do something, we all have moments filled with doubt about undertaking something. As mentioned above, I have experienced both depression and anxiety, so this is perfect for those moments of doubt as a reminder to not only trust myself and my instincts, but to also trust in God who will get me through. She gives some great biblical passages to reflect on as well as some other helpful tidbits/reminders to reference.

I truly feel this will be a beneficial book for many years to come for both myself and others. I highly recommend reading this book!

Comments

When God’s Ways Make No Sense by Dr. Larry Crabb

I did receive this book at no charge for my unbiased, honest opinion. This book: When God’s Ways Make No Sense by Dr. Larry Crabb, was a hard read for me. Not in that I couldn’t read it, but that I found it hard to view the subject matter from his viewpoint. Though this book covers a common subject matter that many try to tackle, it came at it from a psychological standpoint. The examples Dr. Crabb provided: Jonah, Saul, and Habakkuk, were all well research and good examples, but for me it lacked a connection to the scripture that I had hoped would be presented, and came through as more text book or essay like rather than theologically based.

The Edge of Over There by Shawn Smucker

I did receive this book at no charge for my unbiased, honest opinion. I absolutely loved this book! While it is listed as an adult fiction, it could easily be a great read for Young Adults as well. Abra is fearless! She is a wonderful lead character who is dynamic. I loved reading about her overcoming hear fears in order to do what she knew was right. Without a doubt, she is one of the best female characters created in a heroine/lead role. The characters were also just as relatable. The storyline was easy to follow and excellently detailed. I thought it was brilliant how the author incorporated history and legend/folklore into the story. It afforded the narrative a sense of realism that is otherwise otherworldly tale. It was incredibly imaginative story and an overall great read!

Daily Encouragements For the SMART Stepfamily by Ron L. Deal with Dianne Neal Matthews

Daily Encouragements For the SMART Stepfamily by Ron L. Deal with Dianne Neal Matthews As a mom and stepmom, I can absolutely see the value in this book for myself and my family. This daily devotional can be implemented at any time with the ability to pick up with whatever day you are starting. And although this devotional is geared toward stepfamilies and the prismatic dynamic of those relationships, many daily passages could easily apply to a nuclear family or other family group dynamic. It contains nuggets of thought perfect for individual reflection or family/couple reflection. While geared toward the parental units of the family, several of the passages are 'kid' friendly. The author encourages the reader to share these passages with their children, with consideration to the age appropriateness of each passage. Each page is a useful tool with insights for that days reflection and from page 1 gives the reader ways to look at things from more than just 1 persp...

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