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Struggle Bus: The Van. The Myth. The Legend.
In Struggle Bus, Josh Wood presents a captivating chronicle of his life revolving around a family bus that rose to internet fame through a viral Craigslist ad. The narrative is a rich tapestry of humorous, personal, and unforgettable tales about Wood’s large family of eleven and the myriad adventures they embark on. Some of these journeys take place aboard the iconic Struggle Bus, while others transport them beyond national borders, immersing them in diverse cultures and lifestyles.
With a lively family of nine children, the book is a treasure trove of engaging moments – from comical blunders and emergency situations to enlightening encounters with refugees and profound reflections on faith. The Struggle Bus itself is more than just a backdrop to these stories. Its physical attributes and even its flaws, such as scuff marks and a malfunctioning air conditioner, become integral narrative elements, each with a story to tell.
Yet, beneath the humor and the tangible, Wood deftly weaves profound themes of Christianity, social consciousness, travel, family, parenting, and the pursuit of happiness. He skillfully employs conversational language and inventive metaphors, crafting a narrative that is both entertaining and deeply thought-provoking.
Wood’s book provides valuable insights into parenting, both directly and indirectly, making it a valuable resource for parents managing a large family. One particularly inspiring example is Wood’s commitment, along with his wife, to regularly host refugee families for dinner. This simple act of welcoming strangers into their home and educating their children about global disparities embodies their personal contribution to shaping a better world.
Struggle Bus serves as a poignant reminder that life and parenting are not about seeking perfection but about cherishing love and togetherness and finding joy in our shared experiences. It highlights the wisdom to be gained from remaining open to life’s lessons, as Wood himself learns from his children, his bus, and even his own comedic errors.
If you’re a fan of memoirs or books that delve into the intricacies of family life, Struggle Bus: The Van. The Myth. The Legend is a must-read. You’ll find yourself laughing, learning, and reminiscing about your own cherished moments with your loved ones. Dive into Josh Wood’s entertaining and introspective world; you’ll be glad you did.
Pages: 145 | ASIN : B0859KSKF8
Your Identity in Christ
Your Identity in Christ is a devotional penned by the talented writer Robin Revis Pyke, Ph.D. This book is specifically crafted for women who aspire to flourish in their Christian lives by focusing on topics such as faith, redemption, forgiveness, and purpose. The author has skillfully incorporated a reflective moment after each section. This section includes thought-provoking questions that encourage readers to ponder their thoughts and actions while contemplating ways to serve their community.
The tone of the devotional is commendable, as the author delicately addresses complex issues, such as God’s expectations, without being judgmental or condemning towards readers. Throughout the book, readers are able to feel the author’s compassion and love for them. Additionally, the author touches upon contemporary culture and raises compelling points about how readers should follow their faith instead of current trends. This devotional covers several fundamental topics, making it an ideal read for those who are new to Christianity. However, readers who have a deeper understanding of the Bible may find the topics covered familiar. Despite this, the book contains several noteworthy points that are well-written and relatable to everyday life.
Your Identity in Christ is an insightful and well-crafted devotional addressing pertinent issues women face today. I highly recommend this book to women who are seeking to deepen their knowledge of Christianity or gain a better understanding of the Bible. In addition, I highly recommend this book for its engaging content and impressive writing style.
Pages: 104 | ASIN : B0C1HG1WG7
God Glasses
God Glasses by medium Ann Monster encourages the reader to seek out a more profound spiritual and equally individualistic relationship with what they interpret as being God the Creator. Through her personal experiences talking with God about topics that weighed on her heart, she found clarity and meaning in her own life. She wants to share this experience with readers and help them gain the same healing she did.
Beginning with Monster’s own spiritual awakening. As a stressed thirty-five-year-old mother of two, she desperately needed a minute of relaxation. However, instead of a quiet moment of peace, she claims to have been greeted with a vision of Christ. This led to a noticeable self-transformation in the days following.
The book is structured meticulously. Based on the author’s conversations with God, she breaks down God’s perspective on highly controversial topics like race, HIV/AIDS, gender, and sexuality. These discussion topics span several chapters. Through the use of opening lines which form diary-like entries and provide everyday, real-world examples, the groundwork is laid for Monster to pose questions to ‘God’ as the basis of her chapter-by-chapter thesis items.
I particularly enjoyed one chapter which posed this question to the reader: “when does the natural and beautiful sexual desire that one human being can have for another become sin?” It considers how ‘sin’ has been redefined. Monster approached this sensitively and tastefully, bringing a welcoming and inclusive tone to God Glasses. This chapter assessed the literary interpretation of sin in accordance with the dictionary, then compared it to scripture teachings and how society has capitalized on sexuality through subliminal messages, which have caused humans to consider sexuality as the only facet of life that has any importance. It removed the stigma attached to pre-marital sex, sexual exploration, and leisure – it was not what I expected to see in a religious piece and was favorable.
God Glasses is a good balance of self-incitement and relatability; it does not aim to evangelize or coerce the reader. It would suit readers wishing to develop an intimate relationship with God but may be unsure that Christianity includes themselves.
Pages: 218 | ISBN: 153201774X
Our Church Mothers
Our Church Mothers by Gwen Ehrenborg follows seven inspiring women in the history of Christianity; Katharina Luther, the first lady of the Reformation; Susanna Wesley, the Mother of Methodism; Catherine Booth, co-founder of the Salvation Army; Mary, the Mother of Jesus; St. Clare, best friend of Francis of Assisi; Mother Teresa of Calcutta; and Judge Deborah. The author introduces the women individually and their accomplishments in the Christian practice. In addition, each woman has written letters sharing their experiences with finding their voice in the church, marriage, and having a family.
Author Gwen Ehrenborg has done her research and her knowledge shows all throughout her informative book. The author brings women from different cultures and countries together to share their experiences and show readers how they became chosen to lead others. Readers get to dive deep into these amazing women’s lives and see how they came to be. I found each one of their stories to be very compelling. We learn of their accomplishments in the church and we also get to understand the struggles and sacrifices that they have made for God; and I certainly walked away with a deeper appreciation for them. Readers also learn of their mentors, husbands, and the families they’ve built along the way.
This is an educational and inspiring book. We get to see the respect and appreciation that many people have for these women. However, depending on these women’s cultures, some of them were not seen as equals to their husbands, so they faced significant struggles regarding having a voice in the church. The author includes discussion questions at the end of the chapters; which helps readers begin deep and meaningful discussion with others on the subject.
Our Church Mothers is an illuminating and encouraging read that I recommend to those who are strong in faith or anyone looking to learn about strong women in history. Through these women, readers learn how to be selfless, care for others, and to love everyone, but most importantly readers learn to never lose sight of their faith.
Pages: 251 | ASIN : B09H2XVLHM
Simple Money, Rich Life
Bob Lotich shares his story of strength, hope, and faith. Going through this book, readers will respect the author’s work and the lessons that he shares. Bob Lotich lays bare his journey with finances and, in a free-flowing manner, gives direction on how to achieve financial freedom with the resources you have.
I respect that the author does not sell a fantasy tale about money-making. Instead, shares his secrets to success and what has worked for him, giving real-life examples of people who have made it without being given a head start. The primary lesson you get from this book is that you do not have to come from money to be wealthy. Instead, money attracts those that are hungry enough for it.
Simple Money, Rich Life is the book you did not know you needed until you read it. Bob Lotich writes about finances, making money, and how the path you take affects your financial outcome and eventually your lifestyle.
In his book, Bob Lotich starts by discussing his relationship with God. The first chapter is titled ‘The Battle is His, But You Have to Show Up.’ A befitting title for the content inside the chapter. In this chapter, you learn how crucial money is in every setting, how draining having a debt can be, and its impact on your life. I love that the author introduced the religious aspect of things, as it gives readers faith and hopes to trust in God.
Reading Bob Lotich’s book gives readers a sense of realization. His relationship with God is amazing, and his perspective of life is fascinating. Lotich’s words are intriguing and inspire one to take the straight path. Throughout the book, you see the importance of religion as it has been a pillar to the author and his wife and helped him get back up. By the end of the reading, you feel fulfilled spiritually, financially, and socially.
Bob Lotich’s book will enable you to mold yourself to the best version. The author’s gentle words, courteous phrases, and valuable advice are worthwhile. The five critical pieces of advice I have taken from the book are budgeting and having a solid spending structure, debt management, your relationship with God, the significance of family, and making the best financial decisions. I like that the author extensively writes about saving and expounds on how you can save and still enjoy the good things in life. Bob Lotich is pragmatic, making his work stand out; he does not sell illusions.
Simple Money, Rich Life is a financial self-help book for those that want to approach financial security through faith and evidence-based methods. Readers will walk away from this educational book with renewed faith and a feeling that they, too, can reach a stable financial life.
Pages: 305 | ASIN : B094GP8MP1
Be A Giant Killer
Presented alongside verses in the Bible, the book is separated into the seven giants you will face in life. You need not be religious to understand the clear message that author Ed Norwood has laced throughout the pages. That is, to overcome these giants we must not run from them but towards them. It is the only way to truly transform and benefit the next generation of lives, but doing so is not pleasant.
Norwood begins his book with his shocking personal experience and the giant he faced which was Jim Jones, a cult leader, and a murderer. He lost twenty-seven family members in the Jonestown massacre. A situation that turned others away from God and all religion instead was used as a source of strength and survival for the author. I immediately connected with Norwood as he overcame an experience that many will find hard to come back from. Norwood’s writing is inspiring and uplifting as he makes you feel like you can do anything.
The author doesn’t force religion upon the reader but he does provide examples of how having strong faith can give you the strength you need to overcome your giant. The seven giants that the author lists are very common giants that we all face in our day-to-day activities, such as fear, dissatisfaction, unforgiveness, addiction, laziness, procrastination, and folly. I enjoyed reading the real-life examples that the author shares about his own battles with each giant. I feel this brings authenticity to the author’s words and allows readers to make a personal connection as they may find a story similar to one of their own.
Be A Giant Killer: Overcoming Your Everyday Goliaths is a self-help book based on Christian religion for those that want to take a hard look in the mirror and unpack their true fears. It captures readers’ attention from the first page. A must-read for those seeking guidance through the use of biblical power and to overcome the demons in their own world.
Pages: 302 | ASIN : B09CVCTB4F
Broken and Redeemed
Broken and Redeemed by John Jarman tells his story of redemption. Jarman wasn’t always a spiritual person and initially wasn’t even convinced that he would want to write a book about his story. But, after seven years of trying and delaying, he finally shared his story about how he was once broken and then found redemption when he was ready for it. The title Broken and Redeemed came to Jarman one day in his prayers. It means to highlight how we all are broken, and then once we are ready to come home, we are redeemed.
I really liked this honest book because of the level of self-awareness and humbleness depicted. The author constantly reminds the reader that he, too, is just another flawed and broken human being and not a pastor. This makes the author more relatable and removes the feeling of alienation that people feel in their darkest times. At the end of each chapter, readers will find a set of “Reflection or Discussion” questions that encourage them to actively engage with the book. The author does not want to just share his story; instead, he wants to help readers take steps to find their own redemption.
The overall format of the book is well written with multiple styles. It is interspersed with various quotes, poems, images and formatted with headings and bullet points. This helps keep the reader’s interest and makes the book easier to grasp while still maintaining the conversational and personal tone of the book.
Broken and Redeemed would be an excellent book for those looking for a simple spiritual read. The Christian perspective will be inspiring to those who identify as part of the Christian faith. It is also a short memoir for those that enjoy reading about others’ personal transformations.
Pages: 187 | ASIN : B09TS8MM3T
Conquering the Seeds of Destruction
![Conquering the Seeds of Destruction by [Maureen Y. Smith]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/519qbKNA59L.jpg)
Maureen Y. Smith’s Conquering the Seeds of Destruction is one book that I think every adult should have. The amount of prudence displayed in the author’s text is what many adults need to be exposed to. Maureen Y. Smith writes about life, its challenges and the negative energies we surround ourselves with that make us fail to thrive. As a reader, you get to enjoy the text in the book as the subjects covered are real and relatable to many. Conquering the Seeds of Destruction is a book about living a fulfilling life. You only live once, make the most out of it. Every experience that you go through counts. The author writes about enjoying the good experiences and how one can amend their future through the lessons they learned from the awful experiences.
Most of the chapters in Conquering the Seeds of Destruction have the word ‘seed’ in their title. ‘Seed of Anger’, ‘Seed of Bitterness’, ‘Seed of Lust’ and so on. I appreciate the choice of topics as the author talked of negative feelings, situations and habits that many people are not comfortable talking about. No one wants to be told that they are a bitter soul. No one wants to face their anger issues, be told that they are proud or told that they are lonely. I appreciate the author for bringing self awareness to the forefront.
Maureen Y. Smith help readers see the negative side of themselves so that they may improve it. Every issue that is introduced is followed up with an actionable and pragmatic solution. Are you bitter with life? Examine yourself, visit your past, look at your surroundings, you will know why you feel like you hate everything. Every chapter is well written, with practical and easily-understood solutions. The book does a great job of highlighting the problem and then objectively giving the reader the answer they were looking for.
This book gave me the impression of attending a virtual therapy session. The author has kind words for those facing difficulties, and reminds the reader why they matter. This book will help you make better decisions for yourself and have a positive approach in life. Apart from helping one be the better version of themselves, Maureen Y. Smith will also help you mend your relationship with God. She talks about God being a supreme being and why he is important in every believer’s life. Conquering the Seeds of Destruction will teach you about appreciating our differences and more.
Pages: 462 | ASIN: B00BMVRVV2
LITERARY TITAN 