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Summer Book Reports

Remember when you had to read certain books to make your English teacher happy? The kicker was writing an actual report on the book, which meant you had to read the majority of it. Most of the time, it was no sweat, since I loved reading. It's been years since handing in a book report, but now I'm writing a new version. They're called book reviews, and it's from the other side of the desk.

There are a lot of nice people in the writing world, and I've been privileged to get to know some of them via the Internet. They're authors who want to get their books in the hands of readers, just like me. Most recently, I've connected with two ladies who have earned high marks from me and others on their books. Both are devotional in nature with practical applications and are spiritually challenging no matter where you are in your Christian walk.

Let's start with the daily devotional entitled God, Me and Sweet Iced Tea by Rose Chandler Johnson.
About the Author: Rose Chandler Johnson, a Southern girl from a tiny Georgia town, is the author of the devotional blog, Write Moments with God. In spite of years of disappointments and overwhelming obstacles, she has grown in her relationship with the Lord and learned how to find Him in the everyday moments of life. A devoted Christian and mother of six, she has been a French and English teacher over the last twenty years.

 Book Description:  In the South, nothing is more refreshing than a glass of sweet iced tea. Nothing, that is, except experiencing God in those small, everyday moments. God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea is a deeply personal collection of spiritual treasures designed to help readers experience new mercies each morning. Seasoned with insight and grace, this tender devotional points to the divine presence of God in everyday moments. Whether purchased as a personal resource or given as a heartfelt gift, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea will help readers develop a daily habit of turning to God in those quiet moments of reflection.

 My Report----Review:  God, Me , and Sweet Iced Tea is a devotional that will draw you into spending more time at the Savior's feet. Her practical, everyday observations will strike a chord with everyone, and the additional Scripture references plus journaling options at the end of each devotional challenge and encourage the reader. You'll want to linger in the Word a few more minutes as you journey through this book. Whether you're a young Christian or a mature disciple of Christ, Rose's heart-felt insights will add depth to your quiet time. 5 stars
Next up is Journaling with Jesus by Carol Round.
About the Author:  Carol Round, self-syndicated columnist, Christian author and inspirational speaker, began her journey with the Lord in October 2001 when she admitted her need for His guidance. Since that time, she has sought a deeper relationship with Him through reading scripture, Bible study and the personal discipline of keeping a daily prayer journal. After being encouraged by other Christian women, she has compiled her experiences with prayer journaling into Journaling with Jesus.


 Book Description:  Journaling with Jesus is a creative call to an authentic, intimate relationship with Christ through the art of prayer-journaling. Let author Carol Round sensitively guide you along your own prayer path through balanced scriptural support, stories from the lives of women transformed through the power of journaling, encouraging explanations about the benefits of journaling, and timely tips about how to start.

 My Report...Review:  As someone who's journaled sporadically over the years, Journaling with Jesus was a great refresher course. Journaling is work that requires commitment. We're all prone to laziness in the spiritual disciplines and this book encourages the reader of its value. The true worth of journaling is not in the work itself, but in the ever-deepening relationship with God.

"Journaling not only involves keeping track of the journey but also explores who we are and what we are for: our purpose." Journaling with Jesus

Carol Round's insights drawn from people from all walks of life helps lay a framework from why we need to record our spiritual journey to practical how-to's.If you're looking for a down to earth and challenging read to deepen your walk with Christ, this book is the ticket.  4 stars

 Thanks to Rose and Carol for entrusting their books to me for a review. It's always a pleasure to meet more friends on the journey.

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