Inspirational Books

Let Me Hold You Longer

Karen Kingsbury

Amazon Price: $10.19 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Tyndale House Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 47 new & used starting at $8.29

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 49 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Wonderful book to give as a gift 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book is a poem, which we originally found in one of Karen Kingsbury's novels. The mother in the story read the poem to her son, on the occasion of his wedding. While she recognizes all the "firsts" in his life, she also notes that there were many "lasts," such as the last bottle she fed him, the last time she tied his shoes, the last time she drove him to school...if she had known that it was the last time she rocked him to sleep, she would have "held him longer." When we learned that the poem had been published as a separate book, my wife gave it to our son for his graduation from high school. What a moving moment when they read it together. We have since started giving the book as baby shower gifts to friends, as a reminder to savor all the "lasts" in their little ones' lives.

Editorial Review:

2005 Logos Bookstores Award winner for Best Children's Book

With lighthearted illustrations and a sweet, reflective tone, best-selling author Karen Kingsbury encourages parents to savor not only their children's "firsts"--like first steps and first words--but the "lasts" as well. With the tenderness of a mother speaking directly to her child, Karen reminds us not to miss last days of kindergarten and last at bats in Little League amidst the whirlwind of life. Adapted from a poem in Rejoice, mothers and grandmothers everywhere will identify with the tenderhearted reflections in Let Me Hold You Longer. An ideal gift book for special occasions from baby showers to graduations. Now includes a bonus CD read by Karen!

A Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas (Chicken Soup for the Soul)

Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Children experience Christmas through magic, anticipation, and learning about the baby Jesus. As we mature, we experience Christmas through the gifts we give, the love we share, and the magic we create for others. A Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas brings back the memories of childhood through the eyes of children on Christmas day and inspires good deeds by reminding us how the smallest gesture can truly change a life.

Go back in time through genuine stories of hope and kindness and see how people find the true meaning of the season through unexpected miracles and those they meet along the way. Peek into the life of one family as they visit a relative at a nursing home on Christmas and how a cup of ice cream and a few moments of time brighten up the day for those who live there. Read about one woman's journey through surviving the loss of her husband and how the love and warmth of her family at Christmas strengthens her. Enjoy a sweet tale of how an old doll dressed in new clothes becomes the most precious gift and cherished memory a child ever receives. And, of course, it wouldn't be Christmas without a few stories celebrating the wonderment and joy children experience throughout this very special season.

Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship

Joshua Harris

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Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Relationships -> Love & Romance
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Relationships -> Marriage

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 168 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Joshua Harris follows up his bestselling I Kissed Dating Goodbye with Boy Meets Girl, the story of how he met and married his wife, Shannon. Where Harris's first book encouraged readers to throw off modern ideas of romantic fixation, Boy Meets Girl goes to the next level and urges single Christian men and women to pursue courtship, and ultimately marriage, thoughtfully and prayerfully. Knowing that many readers will balk at the idea of premeditated courtship, Harris insists that dating should not be emotional recreation but rather a careful decision rooted in obedience to God. While the anecdotes used to reveal true-to-life scenarios about dating pitfalls are somewhat elementary (and geared to those in their 20s), Harris succeeds in hammering home the point that obedience to God's word, selfless love, community, purity, and satisfaction in God are the most important aspect of any relationship. The last section of the book is particularly practical, discussing forgiveness of past sexual sin, questions to ask before tying the knot, and how an understanding of our sinful nature can lead to conflict resolution. For Harris's mere twentysomething years of life experience, his maturity and devotion to God are sincere evidence that he has indeed practiced what he has preached, resulting in a passionate relationship with the love of his life. --Jill Heatherly

God's Wisdom for Little Boys: Character-Building Fun from Proverbs

Jim George, Elizabeth George

Amazon Price: $10.87 List Price: $15.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Harvest House Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 49 new & used starting at $7.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A great find! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

My son is not even two yet and this is one of his favorites. I have read several "Proverbs" to him from the book every night for the past 6 months or so and now he asks for the book before nap time too! If I forget to read it to him before bed, he reminds me by saying "boys." The pictures are fabulous and because the proverbs are made into poems, it's appropriate for even very young little boys. I am thinking of buying a copy to take apart and frame some of the pictures (& poems) for his bedroom. If you're looking for a book that teaches great character, you've found it!

great book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book has beautiful pictures and a Bible verse which relates to each wise trait that is mentioned. It was a great purchase.

Beautifully Written 4 out of 5 stars.
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This book offers beautiful, short snippits of character building stories and pictures about boys all inspired by passaged from Proverbs. Having 4 sons myself, I've come to cherish the little sticky fingers and dandelion arrangements given to me over the years. This book allows you to snuggle with your little one and appreciate what God has given you while enjoying the beautiful pictures and wisdom of Authors Jim and Elizabeth George.

Editorial Review:

The wonderful teachings of Proverbs come to life for young boys, ages 4–7. Memorable rhymes play alongside colorful watercolors for a charming presentation of truths to live by.

The Cross and the Switchblade

David Wilkerson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 58 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Cross & the Switchblade 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This Book changed my life when I read it in jail in summer of 1970,after the hippie years of many many drugs and all that went along with it.I would surely be dead now if not for this book and the Lord Jesus who caused David Wilkerson to write it.Jail was the only place I would have stopped to read it at the time.So I am sure the Lord wanted me there then.I have been reformed since that day.I am presently giving it to my son who also has the bad addiction gene which seems to run in my family .He is currently serving 6 Months in mandatory County Rehab.So he too will have time to read it . I just pray that anyone who has a friend or family member who has an addiction of any kind will send this book to them to read it. They won't read the Bible but they will read this book- The Story of Rev. David Wilkerson,His life saving Teen Challenge Outreach and Nicky Cruz,whose life was also forever changed in this book.Praise God for this Book!!!

Editorial Review:

The astonishing true story of Wilkerson's outreach to New York teens trapped by drugs and gangs. Over 14 million copies in print!

When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances

Carol Kent

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 50 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Grabs the heart. 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

While Carol's experience is somewhat unique, her story and the application of the principles of faith to our own difficulties and disappointments in life, as well as others around us, is uplifting, encouraging and filled with hope. This book helps us to look outside of the dark and isolating closet we find ourselves in when an Issac experience enters our lives, or those around us, and see that we can carry on.

Heart Wrenching 5 out of 5 stars.
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Carol's book is heart wrenching. We have only one child also, and we have had to "lay our Isaac down" and trust that God will take care of our son. Reading Carol's book made me realize that I am powerless over some circumstances, but God is still in control. I have a feeling though, that this book would not be understood by those who are not Christian. The idea of trusting a God who would allow so much pain is hard for people to understand. I'm a Christian, and believing in a God who allows horrible circumstances in our lives is hard for even me to understand. Carol's book helped explain how we can still have faith while experiencing difficult times.

Editorial Review:

Carol Kent's life changed forever when her twenty-five year old son, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a lieutenant in the navy with an impeccable military record, shot and killed his wife's ex-husband.

Through this devastating set of circumstances, Carol learned ten transformational power principles that God has taught her in the midst of all her agony. For the first time, best-selling author and popular speaker Carol Kent is ready to share her story with the world. It will change the way you think about personal challenges.

Beauty For Ashes: Receiving Emotional Healing (Revised Edition)

Joyce Meyer

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 33 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Phenomenal 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

My grandfather sent this book to me and I confess that when I first saw it, I wasn't sure it was anything I wanted to read. Emotional healing? What could *I* possibly need to be healed from? Denial is an amazing thing. Thankfully, I had nothing else to read at the moment and picked up this book. From page 1, I was captured by Meyer's ability to share her story, make light of her struggle, and give examples of God's amazing power to heal us from our wounds, whether we recognize them or not. This book took me through the whole scope of emotions. I found myself laughing, and alternately, weeping as I recognized myself in the pages and yes, even found God speaking to me through Meyer's testimony. I simply could not put it down. If you are a survivor of any type of abuse, or even if you're just trying to work on building mature, Christ-centered relationships, consider this book. You won't be sorry you did.

Editorial Review:

Many people seem to have it all outwardly, but inside they are falling apart, crushed and wounded by their past, but Joyce Meyer feels God has a plan to heal the broken-hearted and the victims of abuse. For thirty years she suffered the devastating effects of verbal, sexual and physical abuse. Today she has a worldwide ministry of emotional healing for others like herself. In this book she outlines the major truths that brought healing to life and describes how other victims of abuse can also experience this healing, including how to deal with the emotional pain of abuse, how to understand your responsibility to God for overcoming abuse, why victims of abuse often suffer from other addictive behaviours, how to grab hold of God's unconditional love and the importance of God's timing in working through painful memories. By sharing her personal story, Joyce aims to help other find inner peace through their belief in God.

One Wintry Night

Ruth Bell, Graham

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Wonderful illustrations & story tell the meaning of Christmas 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This is a great Christmas read that gives an overview of the gospel, from creation to Christ's resurrection. A boy is injured and must seek refuge with an older widow during a snowstorm. As he recuperates and waits for the storm to settle down, she tells him the story of man's fall and redemption through Christ Jesus.

This book does a good job of sticking to the true facts of the Bible without a lot of added fluff. I've read this aloud to my children a couple of times. It takes us a few sittings as it is fairly lengthy but it keeps them engaged.

The best part of the book is the illustrations. They are gorgeous! These are some of the most believable Biblical portrayals I have seen - not the stylized Italian sort or the comical characters which abound in Christian books for children. For instance, Adam and Eve are not lily white but look as if they could truly be the father and mother of us all. The portrait of Goliath is my favorite as he looks like a giant warrior might. His thighs are massive! And David is a young man, not a child, as Scripture would suppport.

I would only take issue with the picture of the angel guarding the garden of Eden. First, according to Genesis, there are angels (plural) placed at the gate. Secondly, although the American Indian woman is lovely, angels are only described as men and never as women in the Bible. Moreover, they always seem to invite dread (first words from angels are typically, "Don't be afraid") so I think a pretty angel lady is somewhat unlikely.

I highly recommend this book as a lavish picture book to be read at Christmas, or any time of the year. It helps children understand why the birth of Christ matters to them.

Editorial Review:

A classic Christmas picture book, One Wintry Night tells the story of a mountain boy who is injured in a snowstorm and seeks refuge in a cabin. While he waits out the storm, the woman who lives there tells him the Christmas story. Starting with the very creation of the world and ending with the resurrection, the boy discovers the big picture of God's plan for his people and situates the nativity within the scope of history. Breathtakingly illustrated by renowned artist and author Richard Jesse Watson, One Wintry Night is the perfect gift for the young and the young-at-heart.

Five Minute Devotions for Children: Celebrating God's World As a Family

Pamela Kennedy, Amy Wummer

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Wonderful Devotional!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful devotional. My mother bought this for our daughter (she's 7 and in first grade) as a birthday gift and she just loves it. We have read through the entire book over and over again and she never gets tired of reading the devotionals. It's very well done. The stories are great and keep her attention. The scripture versus fit the stories perfectly and are easy for her to understand. This devotional is not over her head. All the subject matter is stuff that she can understand and can relate to her everyday life. This is very well done. Highly recommended.

Editorial Review:

This delightful devotional is perfect for bedtime, dinnertime, or anytime. Each short devotion includes a story about an animal illustrating its dominant trait as created by God. That trait is then related to a child. Questions at the end are fun for the young child to answer, such as picking out something in the picture, asking what the animal is doing, and asking what God wants us to do. Each devotional concludes with a short bible verse.

Mommy, Please Don't Cry: There Are No Tears in Heaven

Linda Deymaz

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 68 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Mommy, Please Don't Cry: There Are No Tears In Heaven 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Any one who has experienced abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth or the loss of a young child should own this book. It is powerful and comforting. This book should be a part of every bereavement program for loss of a little one.

Pictures are very pretty 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The pictures in this book are beautiful. I was hoping that the book would give some practical advice to readers about coping day-to-day, but it really didn't. Still, it's a helpful book.

a very healing book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book is amazing! I bought this book after my infant son was born early and died. I was inconsolable, but this book helped me to see that my son was in Heaven with Jesus. The illustrations are amazing and this was also a great way of explaining to my two other sons where their brother was and how he was happy, healthy, and well up in Heaven. The book is told from the perspective of the child and is simple, yet powerful. Anyone who has lost a child would appreciate and find healing by reading this book.

Editorial Review:

Mommy, Please Don't Cry is a book of love and comfort for mothers who have experienced the deep sorrow of losing a child. Serene illustrations frame gentle words that describe heaven from a child's perspective. With room for the reader's personal reflections at the end of the book, every page is a poignant gift of hope and healing. "Our stories are all different, but our pain is the same," writes Linda. "We are mothers who will forever grieve the loss of our children. And yet, there is hope for our troubled souls."