Bad Girls of the Bible

Title: Bad Girls of the Bile
Author: Liz Curtis Higgs
Genre: Women's/Bible Study

Tadah!
Another book from one of my favorite authors, Liz Curtis Higgs! This book makes Bible study come alive! Liz has taken 10 ladies from the Bible and has provided in an in-depth character study of them. Some of the women mentioned in this book such as Jezebel and Potiphar's Wife are listed as "Bad to the Bone", while there are other un-named women with fascinating stories, who are "bad for a season, but not forever". I think no matter where you are in life, you will find yourself somewhere among the pages of this book.

Each chapter starts off with a modern day story then dives into the Biblical character study. At the end of the book is a study guide for each chapter. This is a fun book for small group study or for a Sunday School class. Workbooks can also be purchased separately. I thought it was great just for personal study. In case you can't get enough of these Bad Girls, there are 10 more stories to read in Liz's second book in the series Really Bad Girls of the Bible.

Oh, BTW, visit www.lizcurtishiggs.com to learn how to do your own Tadah!

Understanding the Dreams You Dream

Title: Understanding the Dreams You Dream
Author: Ira Milligan
Genre: Christian Helps?

OK, since yesterdays post was a bit of a chic book, I thought I would try to post something that would pique the interest of both male & female. This was an interesting book especially for those that dream. The first 35 pages are helps to possibly interpret a dream. There is much scripture that is given in these pages and some of it is written out. I would definitely recommend that you keep a Bible close by to look up all of the references especially if you are in the habit of reading a different version than the King James (all scripture is quoted as King James). The second half of the book is filled with a dictionary of sorts that possibly define various symbols in ones dream.

The book proved to be a very interesting read. My personal opinion when it comes to a topic such as dreaming is to PRAY FIRST, then go directly to the Bible. Books like these can be of assistance when you are trying to learn about the topic of dreaming, but it is also important to come to this with a balanced approach. Also, consider many resources when researching this subject. But most importantly, pray for discernment and learn to recognize the voice of your Heavenly Father.

The Wedding Dress

Title: The Wedding Dress
Author: Marian Wells
Genre: Fiction

I read this book at least 15 years ago and for some reason the story line still stays in my mind. When the book caught my attention sitting on the shelf of our church library, I thought I would include it here on my blog.

The story starts out west in the 1840's on Rebecca's 13th birthday. Orphaned when she was a young girl, Rebecca celebrates her birthday with the only memory of family she has left, a trunk that contains a wedding dress and a black book.

As the years go by, Rebecca's search for a husband finally rests on the man of her dreams, Andrew. They get married and have a wonderful honeymoon and then Andrew brings her to his home in Fort Harmony. However, life with Andrew took a horrible twist. To tell anymore, would give away a major plot.

The Wedding Dress definitely leaves you hanging. If you get the book at a library, be sure to get the sequel, With this Ring, at the same time. The books are an easy read, and you will certainly want to know the ending. I'm not going to post for With this Ring, because I don't want to give away the story, but just try to get both books at the same time.

One thing that I personally liked about this story line is that it was a decent plot, it kept moving and the author didn't draw it out over an entire series. She could have made it one big novel, but instead, kept it in two books. The story line was good enough for that, but not dragged on and on. I appreciate that.

Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough

Title: Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough
Author: Elmer L. Towns
Genre: Bible Study/Spiritual Warfare

If you are looking for a spiritual challenge, this is the book. This book is stuffed cover to cover with information regarding fasting. There are nine Biblical fasts that are highlighted and explains who fasted, why they did it and how they did it. Although the fasts mentioned are not for everyone, (the author even suggests you consult your doctor before beginning any of these fasts), the in depth insight is very helpful.

Here are some of fasts mentioned in this book, I'll just barely scratch the surface, but at least give you a sneak peek: The Disciple's Fast: fasting for freedom from addiction based on Matt. 17:20-21; The Ezra Fast: fasting to solve problems based on Ez. 8:21-23; The Esther Fast: fasting for protection from the evil one based on Es. 4:16; The Saint Paul Fast: fasting for insight and decision making based on Act. 9:9-19.

At the end of the book is a rather large appendix with even more information such as how to keep a fasting journal, personal comments from the author about fasting, a fasting glossary and even a section written by a medical doctor called: "Fasting, Giving our Bodies a Break". The book also has available (for separate purchase) a workbook. Because the book itself gives so many practical insights to fasting along with actual instruction on how to fast, the workbook helps the reader apply the fasts to his/her personal life.

I first found out about this book because a small group of ladies at our church decided to tackle this subject. I think we all walked away from that table changed women and were actually excited about fasting.