Heidi's Haven

  8 Habits for Growth  by Darryl Dash helps readers learn habits to grow closer to Jesus. Dash focuses on small habits that are manageable, but that make a big impact on your life. He provides lots of suggestions and variations for readers, as everyone will find that different things work for them. He says that when practiced imperfectly, these habits will help you and others grow. Dash also check in throughout the book to help the reader grow in their habits and, when moving on to the next habit, making sure they are not giving up the previously learned habit. Questions throughout help the reader understand what is working and what isn't. Most importantly, the author stresses that there is no need to be perfect. You just need to start where you are.  Dash recommends reading this book with a friend or a group, so you can benefit from discussion and accountability. He also recommends slowly reading this book over a period of time (suggested reading plans are listed in the book) so y

  The goal of this book is to help readers learn more about God and how to follow Him. By understanding theological terms, it helps Christians understand what God has revealed in Scripture and the world. The authors want the reader to use this information for knowledge-based obedience.  Each of the 10 chapters deals with one of the main areas of Christian doctrine. All of the terms in that section are related to the main topic, and are organized for the best understanding. The authors do a good job of explaining different views within Christianity and presenting the facts without giving an opinion.  The authors explain that you can read this book cover to cover, or you can use it like a theological dictionary (the index in the back helps you find the term you're looking for). Since I was reading this for review, I read it cover to cover, and I found that it's very dense that way and I don't feel like I got anything out of this book. I would recommend this more as a referenc

  The First Songs Of Christmas: Meditations on Luck 1 & 2 by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth is a 31-day devotional to read through the month of December. Throughout this devotional, the author explores the Christmas stories in Luke 1 & 2. For each day, the author finds and shares a lesson or word of encouragement from the reading. Each day ends with a prayer, suggested verses for further reading, and a final thought on the matter. Personally, this devotional didn't really have an impact on or resonate with me. I suppose it may just be that it wasn't what I was expected, so I felt disappointed by it. So I may be unfair, but overall I didn't love it. However, I am not discounting it entirely, and I think others still might enjoy this book. This is a very cute hardcover book with a pretty red ribbon bookmark. It's super pretty and I think would make a great Christmas gift! Overall, I gave this book 2/5 stars. *I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. I

  In 50 Most Important Bible Questions , Michael Rydelnik attempts to answer the most common or important questions pertaining to the Bible. This includes from "how do we know it's true?" to more specific questions of clarify or understanding pieces of the text. As he states, everyone has questions about the Bible, so it's important to address and answer those questions. For each question, Rydelnik poses the question and then takes about 4 pages to answer it thoroughly and clearly. Categories include Gospel and Salvation, Genesis, Old Testament, Jesus, The Jewish People, Seeming Contradictions and Mysteries, and Biblical Concerns and Practices.  It took me a little bit to get into this book, but once I did I couldn't put it down. Some might struggle to read this cover to cover all in one go, but I still recommend reading the book, even if it takes you a while and happens over a larger period of time. This book answered lots of questions I had, and even explained t

    In this book, the authors attempt to answer the hard questions that need to asked of Christianity. The first third of the book tells the Christian story, so those who are new or unfamiliar know the context of what will come next. They also ask those already familiar with the Christian story to read with an open mind as if they've never heard it before. The second third of the book explores what it means to live out the Christian life. The final third of the book gives voice to and answers common questions and concerns.  Personally, the only part I found interesting was the final section, and even that I thought didn't really bring anything new to the table. To be fair though, I am not a new Christian and I've read/reviewed many books like this in the past. For those who are familiar with these types of books, this many not be a very helpful read. However, for those who are new to the faith or those interested in it without much experience, the concepts and questions mig

The Extraordinary Power of Praise  by Becky Harling is a 6-week study of the psalms for those with an anxious heart, whether you are a worrier in general (and especially right now, who isn't) or have a diagnosed anxiety disorder. Through her study, she teaches the reader to pour their heart out to God authentically and then praise God by faith passionately.  You will need your Bible with you as you go through the study, as the passages you are meant to read are not printed in the book. The author also instructs you to underline and highlight in your Bible as you go.  Each week includes 5 days of reading and homework, though Harling urges the reader to adapt it to make it fit their life. Each chapter ends with questions for your personal growth. The questions are actually thought-provoking and helpful, as opposed to flat and cheesy as they often are in studies like this, and there is actually space after the question large enough to write the answer (biggest pet peeve of mine)!  Ove

  In A Field Guide for Genuine Community , Ben Connelly describes the need for a spiritual family that lives life together, and shares ways to find that and put it into practice. We are designed to gain in each other's strengths and learn in each other's weaknesses. The family needs you as much as you need them.  This book was written to help the reader deconstruct their individualistic and experiential views that are prevalent in our culture. Each chapter ends with a few ways to practice genuine community, a story of a strong spiritual family, and a discussion guide. The author states that this book is best worked through with your spiritual family so you can all learn and grow together. In my opinion, a lot of what the author said was true, but a lot was also just really cheesy. The 101 ways to practice family were often super specific and really only geared toward those with kids who hang out with those with kids. Overall, I didn't think this book was super impactful, an

The Nature of Small Birds  by Susie Finkbeiner is the story of a family. The story is told from the perspective of the father (Bruce), mother (Linda), and one of the daughters (Sonny) in three different periods of time. We see their relationships with each other and their other family members. As their life story is told, the book revolves around the adoption of their daughter Mindy from Vietnam after Operation Babylift, and adult Mindy's search to learn more about her past.  Throughout the book, Bruce loves to watch birds and pay attention to nature. Throughout the story, the birds become a metaphor for his daughters growing up and flying away.  This is a really sweet story. I enjoyed reading through each characters' perspectives--I wouldn't say there were certain chapters I dislike reading more than the others. It's a very fast and easy read, and the story keeps your attention. My biggest critique is that the story just....ends. I turned the page and was shocked when

  The Visual Word: Illustrated Outlines of the New Testament Books  by Patrick Schreiner and illustrated by Anthony M. Bendetto is designed to be a tool for visual learners to help them learn about the Bible. They want their readers to be able to not just read the New Testament, but to be able to visualize it.  For each book of the New Testament, they create a layout describing each section of the book by subject, and include an illustration to help the reader remember and connect it.  Personally, this book was not helpful to me. While I enjoy visual tools for learning, I didn't think that their illustrations were any clearer than the summary they provided for each book. They threw a lot of info at the reader at once, but nothing was sticking. While a cool concept, I personally didn't think the illustrated timelines were beneficial. However, someone else may find that this was a very helpful tool for them.  Overall, I gave this 3/5 stars. It didn't work for me but maybe it

  You Get Me: Simple, Romantic Ways To Speak The 5 Love Languages  by Gary Chapman and Jen Mickelborough is a small, short book (more like a booklet) that gives the reader a few ideas in how to show love to their partner in each of the 5 love languages. Some are little things you can do any day, some require a little more planning. Things like sending a letter, writing a note, going for a walk, and making dinner.  At the end of the book are blank and lined pages to record your own ideas to share love in your partner's love language, taking notes on the gestures you've tried and your partners reaction, or any other notes. This was a cute little book. It only took a few minutes to read through it. It might be nice to have on hand if you are looking for new ways to show love to your partner in their love language. However, I think most of this could be found online. Overall, I gave this 3/5 stars. *I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. I was not required to

  In his book When Faith Is Forbidden: 40 Days On The Frontlines With Persecuted Christians , Todd Nettleton shares 40 stories of meeting with Christians in persecuted countries through his work with The Voice Of The Martyrs. He shares the stories of their steadfast faith and genuine love for God in the midst of horrible, unimaginable persecution, loss, and even torture.  I find stories of persecuted Christians so inspiring. To see their faith in such unimaginable circumstances in the face of such hardship really puts your own problems in perspective.  Whether you are looking for inspiration and hope or to learn about life for Christians in persecuted countries, this is a really interesting read. The stories and circumstances you can learn about is really fascinating. I gave this book 5/5 stars and I definitely recommend it. Each story is around 5 pages which makes it a fast read.  *I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive rev

  75 Masterpieces Every Christian Should Know  by Terry Glaspey goes through 75 pieces of art, music, literature, and film that the author classifies as a masterpiece and an expression of Christian faith. For each piece they spent a few pages discussing the background of the piece and the artist. Glaspey states that their goal for this book is to show Christians more creative ways to share their faith.  For the most part this was enjoyable. I really enjoyed seeing the photos of paintings and sculptures I hadn't seen before, and I liked the history of the pieces and artists I was familiar with. However, due to reviewing it I read the book cover to cover. That was overall a bit much. As I read it felt like the author droned on way too much about each piece. I would recommend skimming this from time to time or skipping through to read about the pieces you're interested in. I also thought some of the religious connections or interpretations were a bit much, though I am in no way an

  How to Eat Your Bible  by Nate Pickowicz offers a new way to read and study the Bible. The author covers basic theology of Scripture and Scripture reading, then provides a plan to help you read your Bible consistently and well. He states that the goal of this book is to help people fight their Biblical illiteracy so that we not only read but feast on Scripture. When we read, he says, our focus should be on developing a long-term understanding and love for the Bible.  The author points out that we often make a plan or commitment to read the Bible, often over a year or some other amount of time. However, he suggests that we change our perspective. We should make our goal to understand  the Bible, not just get through reading the whole thing. With this in mind, Pickowicz has created the 7-Year Bible Plan. He walks you through the desired outcomes of study, what to look for, and things to identify as you read. He clearly outlines his 7-Year plan and why he set it up the way he has. Each

  In the novel All That We Carried  by Erin Bartels, sisters Olivia and Melanie decide to take a week-long backpacking trip through the Porcupine Mountains in upper Michigan 10 years after the death of their parents in an attempt to reconnect. Through the many fumbles and hardships throughout their journey, the sisters attempt to connect and mend their relationship, and wonder if that is even possible after what they have gone through, meeting new people and questioning their beliefs along the way. This is very well written. The author Erin Bartels is clearly a very talented writer. My favorite part of the book was the descriptions of the places they visited. I grew up/live in Wisconsin and spent most summers visiting family throughout Michigan, so it was a joy reading about places I know so well. I could have done without all of the family drama and fighting that went on throughout the book. I didn't care for the characters very much and I found them to be extremely childish. I of