The Coming Revolution by Dr. Richard G. Lee

With just 212 pages, "The Coming Revolution" by Richard G. Lee, has a lot to say and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.  He starts out with an introduction that briefly explains the downward spiral our country seems to be headed in and hence the beginning of discontent that many Americans are feeling with the present Administration in Washington which has resulted in the rising up of the Tea Party movement. 

He then begins in chapter one with our country's founding and the fight the Colonists engaged in against the King of England in order to become a free and independent people in their new land of America. That fight resulted in the Constitution Of The United States and the Declaration Of Independence which guaranteed the people the freedom of "life, liberty, and the persuit of happiness" that people were endowed with by God, rights that cannot be taken away.

He explains that especially during the 60s and 70s, the social, religious, and moral values this country once new began to slip away until, today, America is hardly recognizable.

Dr Lee goes on to explain the disasterous left-wing, socialist policies of our current president, Barrack Obama, and how, unless stopped, they will destroy what America was intended to be.  In the last chapter he lists the what he believes we as citizens can, and must, do to effect change that will right the wrongs done and put America on the right track.  He says there is still hope for the country but we need to act soon or it will be too late.

I found the book very interesting and easy to read. It flowed nicely from beginning to end and I recommend it to all who are concerned about where the United States is headed if the right changes aren't made soon.

I received a copy of this book from the Thomas Nelson Publisher's Booksneeze review program in exchange for my honest review.

"Daily Gifts Of Grace" by Women Of Faith

This 366 page devotional is written by various Christian women, many of whom are well known including Joni Eareckson Tada, Sandi Patty, Barbara Johnson, Luci Swindoll and Sheila Walsh, just to name a few. Each devotional is just one page in length and covers a wide range of topics with a Scripture verse at the top of the page just below the title of that day's devotional.  The writers tie an experience they had with a verse of Scripture using it to encourage today's women.  At least that's how I view their writings.  Some of the devotionals are humorous, such as those by Barbara Johnson like "You There, With The Scissors!", while others are of a more serious note.

Over-all, I enjoyed the book.  However, I didn't feel there was much depth to most of the entries. Looking up the Scriptures noted on each page would help with that, though.  For a relaxing read, I would recommend it to anyone but, if you're looking for more substance in regard to living the Christian life, I would recommend something more along the lines of devotionals written by such authors as Charles Stanley or David Jeremiah, to name just two. 

The book has a very attractive cover and is, in my opinion, of quality construction and would make a really nice gift.

I received this book from Booksneeze a book review program of Thomas Nelson Publishers in return for giving a review.  I was not required to post a positive one. I was just asked to be honest.

"Nearing Home: Life, Faith, And Finishing Well" by Billy Graham

I found "Nearing Home" by Billy Graham to be a very interesting and down to earth book. Billy Graham has been a highly respected evangelist known the world over who is now, as the title suggests, "nearing home". He writes as though he were talking in person to each reader. It's like he is carrying on a one-to-one conversation with just you.  At least that was my impression of this, his latest, and maybe his final, book.

It's a short read-only 180 pages-but he says so much.  He covers old age, commenting on both it's advantages and disadvantages and, now, at 93, he knows whereof he speaks. He also talks about death and relates a bit about what losing his dear wife, Ruth, after nearly 64 years of marriage was like-how he misses her terribly but, yet, knowing he will be re-united with her in heaven. He says one needen't fear death if you are a Christian because, in Christ, death has been conquered and when we die we are ushered into the presence of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Billy Graham writes to the reader explaining how one can best cope with old age and how not to "retire from life".   He stresses the importance of being sure you have accepted Christ as your Savior before you leave this world. He says that while it's never to late to become a Christian while you are still living, once you die it, then is too late so he encourages the reader to make sure because knowing you belong to God and are, therefore, heaven-bound is very comforting as you enter the sunset of your life. 

He also stresses that seniors have a lot to share with the younger generation both in terms of life experiences and by example and how demonstrating to the young  how you live your life goes much farther in making an impression on them than merely telling them how to live ever will.

The most important thing he wants us to know, regardless of our age is how to make sure Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior and he shares the gospel beautifully on pages 177 and 178.

I enjoyed reading "Nearing Home" very much and highly recommend it.

The Grace Effect by Larry Alex Taunton

"The Grace Effect" by Larry Alex Taunton is certainly appropriate and needed for the world we are living in today.  In it, he shows how a Christian influence is sorely needed in any society and what happens when it is lacking.  He ties together the "New Athiests" agenda of wanting to eliminate all Christian influence with his compelling argument of what the results would be. In recounting the story of his family's journey to the Ukraine in order to adopt a precious little girl whose name is Sasha, he gives examples of how the Ukrainian government and most of the people live their lives not caring about the poor among them. The government is extremely corrupt and the children, like Sasha, who are in orphanages, are not cared for beyond the most minimum of basics, barely enough food to survive and living conditions not fit for animals let alone people.
The corruption in the Ukranian government is, of course, evident in other countries, including the United States. However, over all, the people, due in a large part to Christian influences are much more caring of those less fortunate.  I can't imagine how our country would end up should we lose what Christian influence we still have.

"The Grace Effect" is comprised of  twenty chapters and, also, includes the debate with atheist, Christopher  Hitchens, as well as a dicussion guide at the end of the book. 

I found the book quite interesting and an easy read that flowed nicely. I had a difficult time putting it down because it's the type of book that makes you eager to know what comes next.  I appreciated the author's inclusion of the debate with atheist, Christopher Hitchens because it gave me a sampling of an atheist's views in a shortened form.  I liked that because I could not find myself reading an entire book written by an atheist, espousing his views. 

I would recommend this book to anyone. It is a very interesting book and little Sasha shines.  An added bonus are the pictures of Sasha and the author with his family.

I received "The Grace Effect" free from the Thomas Nelson book review program in return for giving an honest review.  The words are my own. 

Ascent From Darkness by Michael Leehan

"Ascent From Darkness" by Michael Leehan is the disturbing, but true, story of a man's encounter with the dark side and satanism.  Michael spent twenty years of his life in the service of Satan experiencing the dangerous power of the devil resulting in the loss of his family, jobs, friends, and almost his life until he encountered the love of Jesus and the salvation the Lord died to give him. 

Over all, the book was a good read and two parts in particular really affected me.  The first was as a result of his satanic dealings when he was told to kill a cat as a sacrifice by smothering her.  Then he disposed of the cat by putting her in a bag and tossing it in a trash can. As a cat lover, I found that section very difficult to read and it had me in tears.  The other part, fortunately on a much better note, was after Michael accepted Christ as his Savior he stopped to see his mother who he hadn't seen for quite awhile and who was in a nursing home.  He told her of his salvation experience and prayed for her that she, too, would experience the love and salvation of Christ. Michael learned later that she died just a few weeks after his visit.

The book has several dark and depressing moments but ends in a very positive way showing what Christ can do even with someone as far gone as Michael was.  He now ministers to others and encourages them to know that they, too, can experience a good life when they let Christ take the place of the Enemy.  I recommend this book to everyone who is searching for the answers to life's cruelties.  They, too, can know that Jesus Christ is the answer.

I received a free copy of "Ascent From Darkness" from the publishers in return for my written review. All that was asked was that give an honest assessment of the book.  The words are my own.

One Call Away by Brenda Warner

"One Call Away" by Brenda Warner is a wonderful and inspiring true story about a young single mother's struggles to raise her two children, one of whom is a special needs child.  Brenda is proof of what a person can do when they have faith in God.  Upon graduation from high school she realized her dream of serving in the military like her dad.  She bacame a Marine and, in the book, she shares her tough experience in boot-camp. She also tells shres her troublesome relationship she had with her first husband who was abusive. Just prior to leaving him, he was watching their first child while she worked until she was called home because of an accident involving the baby. According to her husband, he accidentally dropped him in the bathtub while giving him a bath.  In the hospital, the baby was in critical condition and the medical team, suspecting abuse called the authorities which involved several interviews and court hearings. The baby when released from the hospital was blind and suffered some mental retardation.  The marriage suffered and she finally left with her, then, two children and moved back home with her parents.  While she worked, her parents took care of the children.  Life was difficult and Brenda had to make do on welfare and food stamps for awhile.

Later, she met Kurt Warner, a well-known football player.  Not long after, tough times struck again when Brenda's parents were killed when a tornado struck their town and what was their newly built home where they were living out their retirement years.  Brenda was impressed with how Kurt stuck by her and helped her through the tragedy. Her love and admiration for him grew as his did for her and they were married in the same church that her parents were going to be baptized in, had they lived. After marrying Kurt, Brenda shares the ups and downs of being a football players wife and what being in the limelight is like including the lack of privacy, etc.

Today, Kurt and Brenda are doing well. Kurt has retired from football but with seven children and an organization they founded to help those less fortunate, their lives are full. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and found it difficult to put down.  It was written like a novel and the words just flowed beautifully.  I highly recommend it.

I received this book free from the Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze review program and all I was asked to do was give an honest appraisal, positive or negative.  The words are my own.

Thunder Dog: The True Story Of A Blind Man, His Guide Dog & The Triumph Of Trust At Ground Zero by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory

"Thunder Dog" by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory is one of the most inspiring and uplifting books I have read in quite awhile. I see it as actually two stories in one. Not only does Michael tell of his extraordinary and terrifying experience of living through and escaping the North Tower of The World Trade Center on 9/11 guided by his faithful seeing-eye dog, Roselle, but he tells his life story of being blinded at birth and how he has lived a successful life as a blind person.  He attributes much of his ability to his parents who helped and encouraged him to be the best he could be in a world designed for the majority of people who are sighted. 

One particular section of the book really touched me and that was when he heard the cries for help from a woman trapped trying to escape the tower. Though she wasn't blind, her eyes were filled with dust from the debri of the blast so she couldn't see. Michael, guided by his ever faithful Roselle, made their way to her. He told her he was blind and he took her arm and together, with Roselle in the lead, they would be okay-she would lead them to safety.  In the book, after relating that story he added, "This time the blind really is leading the blind, but why should that be unusual? After all, helping this lady is what teamwork is all about."

Reading his book taught me that the blind are much more capable than many of us with sight realize. Michael not only decended 1,463 steps of the North Tower with his guide dog, Roselle, which would have been quite a feat for those who can see, he learned how to ride a bicycle. drive a car and even fly a plane. He is one amazing man who doesn't let obsticals stand in his way of doing what he wants to!

I enjoyed reading "Thunder Dog" very much. It's one of the ones that leave you feeling really good inside and inspired, thinking, maybe I can do it to. 

I was given this book by the publishers review program in return for posting a review. I was not required to give a favorable review. I was only asked to give an honest one.