Review of Constantly Craving by Marilyn Meberg

When I read the title of Marilyn Meberg”s book, Constantly Craving, I was hoping it would help me with my constant craving for food when I wasn’t hungry.  Although that is not one of the topics covered in her book, I did enjoy Constantly Craving.

Marilyn talks about our different cravings: for excitement, romance, contentment, meaning, purpose, revenge, and heaven.  She discusses where some of these develop.  For example, our cravings for love are related to our early emotional experiences in our family. In her discussion about contentment, she states that it is “characterized by not wanting more than we have.” The biblical definition of contentment also involves being content even when we have less than what we ought.  Paul addressed the topic in Philippians 4:12 “I have learned the secret of being content in any situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” That is a difficult concept to internalize in a world that stresses instant gratification and attainment of material goods.

I think the bottom line for all of our cravings, desire for contentment, and homesickness is HIM.  God created a God-shaped space in us that can only be filled by Him- not things, people, places, homes, etc.  So when we are craving that something we think we need, we should turn to Him to fulfill us with prayer, the reading of His Word, and fellowship with other believers.  Ultimately, Marilyn says that “It is He and He alone who will totally eliminate all our cravings-but not until we’re home with Him in heaven. As long as we’re here on earth, we can only experience partial craving solutions.”  I am looking forward to going home!

I have seen Marilyn Meberg speak at a Women in Faith conference and enjoyed it very much.  Her book is similar to her speaking-very friendly and likable. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

When I read the title of Marilyn Meberg”s book, Constantly Craving, I was hoping it would help me with my constant craving for food when I wasn’t hungry.  Although that is not one of the topics covered in her book, I did enjoy Constantly Craving.

Marilyn talks about our different cravings: for excitement, romance, contentment, meaning, purpose, revenge, and heaven.  She discusses where some of these develop.  For example, our cravings for love are related to our early emotional experiences in our family. In her discussion about contentment, she states that it is “characterized by not wanting more than we have.” The biblical definition of contentment also involves being content even when we have less than what we ought.  Paul addressed the topic in Philippians 4:12 “I have learned the secret of being content in any situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” That is a difficult concept to internalize in a world that stresses instant gratification and attainment of material goods.

I think the bottom line for all of our cravings, desire for contentment, and homesickness is HIM.  God created a God-shaped space in us that can only be filled by Him- not things, people, places, homes, etc.  So when we are craving that something we think we need, we should turn to Him to fulfill us with prayer, the reading of His Word, and fellowship with other believers.  Ultimately, Marilyn says that “It is He and He alone who will totally eliminate all our cravings-but not until we’re home with Him in heaven. As long as we’re here on earth, we can only experience partial craving solutions.”  I am looking forward to going home!

I have seen Marilyn Meberg speak at a Women in Faith conference and enjoyed it very much.  Her book is similar to her speaking-very friendly and likable. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Review of The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

I have read several of Andy Andrews’ books and The Final Summit is my favorite by far.  I found the story line to be very interesting and I liked meeting all of the historical figures and learning new things about them. I found the premise that all of these people from different eras in time meet and discuss the problem to be very intriguing. 

Overall, I found The Final Summit to be very entertaining and I would recommend it to others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Review of The Voice New Testament by Ecclesia Bible Society

I like to read different versions of the Bible, and have several of them, so I was interested in reading The Voice.  I was intrigued by its description as being “a collage of compelling narratives, poetry, song, truth, and wisdom”.  But I did not find much poetry or song.  Much of it is written as a script, which is interesting, and the notes throughout are helpful.  Overall, I think this translation is interesting but I would go a more standard translation for actual Bible study.Top of Form

Bottom of FormDisclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Review of Right from the Heart Turning Your Day toward God by Bryan Wright

I am always looking for new devotionals. I have been using this devotional ever since I received it.  It is a very pretty book to use on a daily basis. A variety of topics are covered in this devotional include parenting, marriage, the Holy Spirit, forgiveness, prayers, tolerance, and priorities.  Each devotion begins with a Scripture verse and is followed by a short, meaningful discussion.
I have enjoyed this devotional and will continue to use throughout the year.  I would recommend it to others as a great way to start the day with God.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Review of Stumbling Into Grace by Lisa Harper

Lisa Harper is a Women of Faith speaker who has written a likeable, friendly book that shares her personal experiences along with stories from the life of Jesus. The book is divided into three parts: Real Life, Real Gifts, and Real Growth.  Real Life discusses scary things, binding things, dangerous things, and sweet things.  Real Gifts includes the gifts of forgiveness, touch, humor, community, and rest.  Real Growth shows how Jesus helps us become less critical, more honest, more content, more dependent, and more grateful.  In each chapter, Lisa gives a story from her personal life, a scripture passage from the life of Jesus, and a short discussion of the passage.  At the end of each chapter are questions for personal reflection or group discussion, as well as a journal prompt, so this book can be used in a group setting or on an individual basis.

All of the big names from the Women of Faith conference- Anita Renfroe, Sheila Walsh, Luci Swindoll, Patsy Clairmont, Sandi Patty, Lisa Whelchel give great praises to Lisa Harper’s book in the opening pages of the book, so I was expecting a can’t-put-it-down read.  This was an okay book, but I didn’t get what I expected.  It would be a good book for a group Bible study to help generate discussion.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Review of “It’s Not About Me” by Max Lucado

It’s no secret that society today has encouraged people to become very self-centered.  We focus on what we want and how we can get it, how we look to other people, and how we can get ahead of them.  The kind of life we should be living-a God-centered life- is totally opposite.  The title of Max’s book says it all-“It’s Not About Me”.  It’s about God.  Everything about our life is about Him-our salvation, our body, our struggles as well as our success.  Max talks about each of these areas and how we can change out thinking about them. 

I particularly liked how Max describes us as God’s mirrors. We reflect the Son, just as the moon reflects the sun.  This book is a great reminder about what life is really all about.  It’s so easy to be caught up in our everyday life and forget that we were created and are here for God’s glory.  I would recommend this book to all.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Review of Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

Heaven is for Real is the story of a little boy’s experience of heaven during a serious operation.  His parents were not sure he was going to survive, and his pastor father raged at God and begged for his son’s life.  The four year old survived and began to tell his parents small pieces about his experience, including things he could not have known-like the miscarriage his mother has suffered before he was born.

I had read Don Piper’s 90 minutes and really enjoyed it.  I didn’t think a little boy would have much to say.  However, I was wrong.  It was very refreshing to hear a child’s viewpoint of heaven.  Colton talks about the colors, the people he meets, and being with Jesus and His Dad.  This book was a great reminder of how we are to view heaven and eternity. Matthew18: 3-4 says “And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  I would highly recommend this book.  It was a great read!