Thursday, November 30, 2017

Book Review: Sunlight Burning at Midnight, A Memoir by Jessica Ronne

The books I've read this year- all seem to have a common theme- not one I planned on or looked for, but one that many of us can identify with in our own life.  It's a theme of seeing who God is, and choosing to know Him more, through faith, by embracing the messy, ugly normal life situations that enter into our existence, and if we aren't careful will swallow a person whole.  Situations where we can only thrive and survive, by recognizing that as followers of Christ, we are not given more than we can handle when we live by faith. 

As people who want to "whisper the word" to the children that the Lord blesses you to have contact with on a regular basis, this is a lesson to not only learn personally, but to testify to it, and make sure you follow the OT guidelines of placing rocks (symbols) around you to help you remember that the Almighty God, our Redeemer, Rescuer, and Righteous Judge- not only saved you from your sins, He daily sends the Holy Spirit to save you from yourself. 

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This book by Jessica Ronne shares her memories, journals, and thoughts through multiple life scenarios that sound like something out of of a soap opera, not real life.  But through her testimony, you see her faith transform, doubt creep back in, and she wrestles with God, but her life is transformed as she learns to lean on the Lord in all circumstances.  It's a hard read at first, never knowing where she's going, what will really happen,  but it's honest and real, and I imagine her feelings are pretty typical of most of us in lots of different situations.  I enjoyed her witty titles, verses, and quotes at the start of every chapter, helping bring her story into perspective with the Word of God. 


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This book is raw, makes your burdens feel light, reminds you there is always hope. God is at work, healing, in His perfect way. Everything has another side, and you can walk through it. By sharing the ongoing reality that unfolds in her (author) life, hope is found. Redemption occurs. God is still present and accepts you for who you are. No matter her perspective in each trial, Jess Ronne journals and prays that God would heal and help. And through it all, she recognizes and shares how Gods hand was bringing beauty from the darkness, and preparing her for each season of life and living. If you want encouragement that you can “keep livin” through anything, this memoir will be that for you. Thankful that I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review. It’s a book that I know many whom it will benefit, and I needed this perspective in my own search for the sunlight burning at midnight. It’s a testimony of truth and shows Gods glory beyond and in life’s messes

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Here's a trailer of the book on Youtube from Jesse Ronne....

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Book Review: Laugh it Up by Candance Payne


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I never know what to think about a book from someone who has viral fame and then gets to write a book.  I honestly ordered this book as a pre-order because I wanted to read her story and find out if her fame was the video, or if the viral video was a tool that God used to give her a platform.  I can tell you-- God uses even chewbacca viral video to bring a person to the forefront, and give her a book!! 

This book will touch many lives. I've already been impressed to see how many people that in my world I consider famous- like Donalyn Miller author of the Book Whisper, who was on the plane with Candace and can't wait to read this book!  

I loved the illustrations for each chapter that she drew to help illustrate the concept. It brings to life her life story that is told with brutal truth, sorrow, and how she found joy in her life. I found that I laughed out loud and felt like she was talking right with me.

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She shares her brokenness and struggle but shows how joy breaks through in all things. Her approach is real. Easily related to. Her faith is clear. Her tips are practical, simple, yet packed with wisdom.  She's honest, an ordinary person, minus a few special events because of her viral video and new platform, and that makes it even better to read her strategies and story for 'counting it all joy.'

I ordered a pre release copy and was blessed to get a PDF version in advance to read. But this is my opinion only. And I can't wait to get the book in my hands to highlight and read again. Practical advice and clear hope.

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