All Heaven Will Break Loose by Joy Dawson

The first thing I would like to tell you about is the front and back cover of this book. It is strikingly beautiful in a simple and yet profound way and reflects the beauty of the words written inside of the book as well. It hit me again and again as I read this book how much the cover "fit" what was inside. I had not heard of this author before and am so glad I decided to give her writings a whirl. There is a depth and perception contained in her words that I feel could only come from our Lord. Joy is not a novice and the wisdom of her life experiences bleeds through her words. It touched me that she dedicated this book to her son who is also involved in the ministry. Joy also mentions her late husband, Jim, who she says released her to prioritize her time in the project of writing this book meaning he would have to take on a heavier load in other areas and all the while not complaining. Jim passed away before the book was published and I imagine the pain of his loss went into the writing of this book. If I were to tell you what the main jest of this book is I would say it would be about UNITY and FORGIVENESS. The author shares brilliant ways in which unity and forgiveness can be achieved. Some I have already tried and I can tell you it has worked for me. Something she suggests is, " We need to ask God to give us His supernatural ability to love and forgive everyone who has wronged us, and then receive it by faith." Joy offers practical ways of getting free and keeping free from all resentment. Who of us could not use such advice? Not me. I know I need this and will implement her ideas further. I like how Joy shares a nugget about what the upcoming chapter or even paragraph holds which alerts as to what to pay attention to. For example: "The next chapter illustrates the greatest team work in dynamic action that I have found anywhere in the Bible." Strong points she has made is that we are not meant to be so independent of one another and I quote," ...no one is meant to have it all. God evenly distributes it out to others so that we may be interdependent on Him through one another." This makes a whole lot of sense to me. I cannot even begin to tell you all that this book holds for if I were to do so it would spoil your joy in reading it for yourself. I have meditated upon much that I have read and highlighted it all over the place. I intend to keep this copy for my own personal library to refer back to. I recommend this book highly! I received this book for free in exchange for a free book review from Chosen Publishing through their book review program. I was not required to write a favorable review.

Wounded by God's People by Anne Graham Lotz

I am oftentimes so amazed by how the Lord will land things in your lap that are so ON TIME! This book was one such things. I wanted to read this book because of wounds I had received through church people but I had no idea that I still had wounds from the church I grew up in! These were the deepest and worst hurts and yet I had overlooked them! I was in the middle of this book when I decided to attend a 100th year Centennial at the church of my youth. I felt I was doing it out of honor and respect for my parents who have passed over some time ago. When I got to the church hall and then walked through the class rooms where I went to grade school it all came rushing back to me. The abuse I suffered at the hands of those who were put in place to teach me. It came at me like a flood. While there in the hall and later the classrooms, all around me seemed to be in festive mode. I was not. All I could recall were the times I had been abused by those who I was supposed to look up to and learn from. The worst of it though, was the coming home and telling my parents about what had happened to me that day and nothing being done about it. OUCH! (picture is of me holding a school uniform just like the one I had worn, I could smell maple syrup which caused all these bad memories to come rushing up to me)

Coming home and reading in Anne Graham Lotz book about wounds and forgiveness...I knew then that this book came into my hands at just the perfect time. God's time. It was a book or a word in due season! Bawled my eyes out! I loved everything about Anne's book! The front and back cover, the size of the book, it being a hard back. The contents were the best part! I also learned a whole lot about the Bible as Anne uses bible stories to make her point. It seems to me that she is truly gifted as a bible teacher! Really makes things easier to understand and in such a delightful way! Love that her dad is Billy Graham as I have such respect for him as well. I will not hesitate to read any other book that Anne Graham Lotz has written! Very anointed author...very anointed book!!! I recommend this book wholeheartedly! Thanks Anne!!! What you wrote has helped me immensely which has also helped give me a boost out into what I am called to do! You are hearing the Lord! There is no doubt about it. Thanks Lord!!!! To You we give all the glory, honor and praise!!! \o/ Following reading this book and before writing this book review I found the Lord revealing further hurts in my heart that needed healing. It seems the Lord is now taking me into a deep healing and for this I am most thankful. I received this book for free in exchange for a free book review from the Zondervan publishers through the www.booksneeze.com book review program. I was not required to write a favorable review.