Book Review: Ephesians (Discovering Your Identity & Purpose in Christ)

Sue Edwards is the author to "Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ".   I found her workbook format to studying this book of the Bible a very practical way to study the Scriptures. The format is extremely flexible and provides additional background information on the city of Ephesus and  the people living there

This is not a just filling-in-the-blanks sort of Bible study.  It delves into personal areas of ones life and even provides a section called "Digging Deeper" for those who would like to probe deeper into the biblical text.

A website is even provided where you can watch short video message clips from Sue Edwards to enrich the bible study experience and to share her personal insights.  I referred to just one of the videos. They are not necessary to watch in order to complete the study.

The cover of the book is beautifully designed and the coordinating pages are just lovely to look at.

I found the study to be a blessing and taking the time to making Bible study a priority is always edifying.

I highly recommend Sue Edward's Discovering Truth Series Ephesians Bible Study.

I received this complimentary copy from Litfuse in exchange for my honest and inbiased review.

 

Book Review: When Jesus Wept

Knowing that the Thoenes penned over 65 works of historical fiction and are awarded authors, I was thrilled at the opportunity to read this novel.

"When Jesus Wept" is written from Lazarus' perspective of various Biblical occurrences, such as hearing the message of repentance from John the Baptist, witnessing Jesus' baptism, which was the first time Lazarus laid eyes on Jesus.

The Authors vividly depict the unfolding events, miracles and controversy that surrounded Jesus' ministry. The Thoene's managed to intertwine the Biblical accuracies of the time along with great Historical fiction content amazingly.

I appreciated them including many conversations that we find in the Bible between Jesus and Lazarus.

The friendship that Lazarus and Jesus establish is vividly described throughout the book.  The correlation of Lazarus being an owner of a vineyard and Jesus being the One True Vine is written out in picturesque detail.

Lazarus new all to well the care that went into having a vineyard that bore a delicious bounty of grapes.  He knew that much pruning to remove the fruitless branches was necessary in order to create a healthy atmosphere in which to grow in.  The message that Jesus' is the One True Vine who lovingly prunes and trains as necessary so we may also bear good fruit was captured impressively.

Other characters of the book such as Lazarus' overseer and the Jerusalem Sparrows provided a more developed story line of the intimate and personal account of Lazarus and his family happenings.

This is the first novel I am reading by Bodie & Brock Thoene.  The historical Christian genre drew me in and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I look forward to reading more from the Jerusalem Series.
 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review

Five Minute Friday: Home

When I read the word I immediately thought of the home I lived in as a child.  My family, the apartment where my sister grew up in with my single mom in the heart of Manhattan.

My mother always longed to give us what she thought was the best.  I love her for it!  I remember her love and willingness to give instead of wanting to receive.  What stands out is a time when all we had for dinner where three tiny pieces of steak and plain white rice.  I wanted another helping and my mom looked into my eyes and said there wasn't any more.  I remember the hurt in her eyes.  I remember her desire to provide all that we needed and wanted.  She looked lovingly at her young daughter and gave up her piece and only ate rice that night.

In the Lord I strive to obey Jesus and through prayer infuse my home with His beautiful presence.  I want to emulate the love and compassion and selflessness that I learned and saw in the women who made a home for my younger sister and I.

Counting My Blessings

1.  I was chosen employee of the month once again and I was given a gift card!!

2.  My mother returned from Ecuador and I was extremely excited and thankful to have her back again;
Spent Wednesday with her and enjoyed a day of laughing and sharing stories :)

3.  Excited to see how the girls are learning so much in Tuesday's classes.  Their enthusiasm is contagious;

4.  Received my Scentsy order.  As part of Scentsy: Scent of the Month club I received "Simply Irresistible". It is a delicious scent of lavender with a strong woody background of amber, moss and musk. It reminds me of a male cologne which is perfect for my husband to have something other than floral feminine scents being warmed.  I really enjoy this scent:)

Looking to order?  Reach out to Karen today.

"Crinkle" plug-in is so much prettier in person that in the catalog;

5.  Celebrated my wedding anniversary this week.  Thankful that the Lord has maintained us in HIM!

6.  My husband surprised me with this:

     Yes, it's a shopping cart, the small size.   I have been wanting one for awhile for local grocery shopping.  
I mentioned it to him months ago and he remembered - How thoughtful is he:)

7. Playing with Play-dough with my tot: imagination work out!

8. My Pastor was invited to preach at another church and we were invited to attend.  It was an awesome night of praising the Lord and the body was edified!

9. Seeing my little one in prayer:  

thank you, Jesus!

10. Wrapped up the evening with dinner at my mom's house along with Karen and her family!!