All The Pretty Things by Edie Wadsworth- Beauty from Ashes

My Thoughts:

When you first see Edie Wadsworth, words like polished, educated, fashionable and beautiful come to mind. Her smile radiates joy, her blog reads part best friend/part mother/part I want to be her, and her home (featured in Better Homes and Gardens) is all sorts of extra special spectacular. I had no idea her story wasn't always so picture perfect. But truthfully, is anyone's? Life is filled with ups, downs and roller coaster rides through hard times. All the Pretty Things is Edie's emotionally powerful story and she's brave and generous enough to share it with the world. In the pages of this book you'll encounter addiction, hunger, loss and heartache as well as forgiveness, grace and love. Difficult times that may have hardened her heart actually served to strengthen Edie and created a drive to improve her life while also fully loving those around her. I was touched by the stories she shared about her alcoholic father and as well as the lean years of her childhood. My heart ached for the love of a 6 year old little girl who couldn't fully understand what was going on around her. Rescuing her father from a bar side stool, wanting to save her little sister from being punished, and the empathetic feelings for the desperate adults who shared the stage with her. There was never enough hope, or food, to go around. And yet, God always provided a light to encourage Edie, even if it was only found inside herself. I highly recommend this book! The chapters are short and an easy read and the story itself is a beautifully broken testimony that encourages and doesn't blame. It's filled with hope and truth and beauty. Thank you for sharing, Edie. You're lovelier than ever- one of the pretty things both inside and out.

*Read an excerpt here.*

*I was given this precious book by Tyndale in exchange for my honest opinion. It's wonderful!*

When There is No Miracle by Robert L. Wise- Finding Hope in Pain and Suffering

My Thoughts:

Christmas time is often a time of joy and family, gifts and memory making, but it can also be a time of sadness and loneliness. So many are dealing with grief, illness and (seemingly) unanswered prayers. I found great comfort in this thoughtful and godly book by Robert L. Wise. It does indeed help one "find hope in pain and suffering". First and foremost, rest in the fact that God is ALWAYS in control. 

"Sooner or later every one of us will find the fabric of our lives torn and violently ripped. As the frayed edges stand exposed, our whole being may feel naked and annihilated. Nevertheless we can rest with a newfound confidence. The Master Weaver will not only mend the tear but reweave the fabric into an even more meaningful design. What He does not will, He still uses." (When There is No Miracle p. 78)

"While our hardest moments are not necessarily sent by God, He still picks them up and uses them in new and constructive patterns." Cancer, birth defects, human suffering and even death  are not wasted. The evil one does exist and is "constantly attempting to win the spiritual warfare raging in the world." But we never need to fear. The final battle at Calvary was fought and won by God!

The author uses examples from his life- dark times where he had to lean heavily on the Lord. Robert L. Wise understands suffering. Cancer, depression, divorce, brokenness, loss of faith, tragedy and more are all spoken here. Stories of people he has counseled and prayed for. And there are also accounts of healing, miracles and divine intervention. This is a beautiful book of hope and comfort, one that would provide peace to those in times of darkness.

When There Is No Miracle (Revised and Expanded) 

Finding Hope in Pain and Suffering 

Robert L. Wise 

Times of profound darkness don't always require miracles to find the light.

Sooner or later, dark days obscure everyone's lives. Heartbreak is impartial. Tragedies, global or personal, strike every day, and people discover they have been swept out to sea by waves of destruction, anxiety, and catastrophe. How can Christians who believe in divine intervention understand the times when the lights go out and no miracle of deliverance appears? 

Robert Wise has more than a passing relationship with tragedy. He has not only lost loved ones; he has been on the front lines of the mayhem that seems to increase every year. Wise was the first clergyman on the scene following the Murrah Building bombing in Oklahoma City. He ministered to frightened people after 9/11. He has encountered countless people experiencing tragedy, all of them asking the same question: Why do the innocent suffer? 

When There Is No Miracle imparts the lessons Wise has learned in the midst of his own questioning. Each chapter encourages those who struggle, and demonstrates unexpected positive benefits of pain and suffering. Wise shares the experiences of those he has met in his ministry who faced times that seemed to be devoid of God's involvement. Yet, as Wise shows here, God is always behind the scenes, working for the ultimate good, even when we can't understand how. In this succinct volume, Christians can find new hope, learn to reconcile their faith with times of emptiness, and discover a new depth of meaning in the crucifixion of Christ. 

*I was given a copy of this encouraging and enlightening book by Kregel. This is my honest opinion.*

Amy Grant "Tennessee Christmas" CD review and Giveaway!

My Thoughts:

My younger sister was the first to discover the sweetly mellow voice of Amy Grant and I'm extremely glad that she did. Many years later I have a wonderful collection of Amy's music- Christian, secular and, of course, Christmas. She always makes me feel joyful, cozy and contented- like coming home. If you're already an Amy Grant fan or have yet to experience her music, you're in luck! "Tennessee Christmas" has just been released and it offers a delightful montage of Christmas tunes, both old and new. It's perfect for playing while you host family and friends, snuggle by the fire or even while you're busily baking cookies. Her voice just makes you feel... good. I've been listening to "Tennessee Christmas" as I do my Christmas shopping and I do believe it's keeping me in good spirits! Favorites on the CD are "To Be Together" (the audio is above), "Tennessee Christmas" and "Oh Come All Ye Faithful". It's Amy Grant's first holiday album released in 20 years so be sure and grab a copy. You'll be glad you did.

*FlyBy is generously offering a copy of "Tennessee Christmas" to one of my readers! Comment on this post to be entered! Winner selected on Sunday, the 4th, so hurry and enter!*

*I was given a copy of "Tennessee Christmas" from FlyBy promotions in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*