Reading Challenges Update 2

I've been having fun with my 2015 Bingo Reading Challenge!

The hunt has been on for books to fit the categories and for some of them I still haven't figured out with book to read, but that's okay because it's still early in the year.

So the books for the next squares are:

• Makes you cry: Not My Will by Francena H Arnold
• Has a child main character: Swallow Me, Now! by Melissa Gijsbers
• Is a classic you've never read: Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell

I'm currently reading one more (you'll have to wait for my next update), but then I'm all out of ideas, at least for now.

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I've also made a little progress on my 2015 TBR Pile Challenge.

3 more books have been read for this with another in progress and one about to be started.

• Spoken For by Robin Jones Gunn and Alyssa Joy Bethke
• It's Just You and Me, Lord by Marion Stroud
• The Spotlight of Faith by Bill Crowder

This takes me to 6 of 18 read - I'm 1/3 through the pile related to the challenge. My TBR pile did grow recently with a purchase of books during a recent sale at my favourite book store.

ACRBA Tour - Dear God It's Me and It's Urgent by Marion Stroud

16th - 20th  June 2014

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

'Dear God It's Me and It's Urgent'

(Monarch Oct 13)

By

Marion Stroud

About the Book
Dear God It's Me and It's Urgent' provides prayers for private devotion and meditation, or for sharing with other women. Inspiring and challenging they are rooted firmly in everyday life. Topics range from A Bride's Prayer on the Eve of her Wedding,Reluctant Hospitality and After Chemotherapy, mixing wisdom and compassion with a touch of humour.In a world where people often seem too busy to listen or care God is always available. No appointment is required.


About the Author

Marion Stroud has written 3 children's books, and 23 non-fiction titles. She lives in Bedford UK the town in which John Bunyan wrote his famous Pilgrim's Progress. She is a cross cultural trainer for Media Associates International [www.littworld.org] which works to help Christian writers, editors and publishers write and publish culturally appropriate material in the 'spiritually hard places' of the world. You can contact Marion at www.marionstroud.com

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed reading through this book. It was both challenging and encouraging. As I said with another of Marion's books last month, there are a few ways you can use this book. One is as a prayer focus during your quiet time each day - the prayer can be used to prompt your own prayer on the topic or when you don't know what to pray, use it as your prayer.

There are also quotes and Bible verses to encourage, inspire and challenge you in your walk with God. While not every topic may be relevant for you at the moment, there are gems for everyone in this book.

ACRBA Tour - It's Just You and Me Lord by Marion Stroud

19th - 23rd  May 2014

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

'It's Just You and Me Lord' 
(Monarch Oct 13)

By 

Marion Stroud

About the Book
Women are most likely to express their deepest thoughts to a trusted friend. At its best, prayer is simply that; a conversation with a friend who is never too tired, too busy or too pre-occupied to listen and respond.

From personal prayers to prayers about family,friends and the wider world, interweaved with Scripture and thought provoking quotes, this inspirational resource helps women of all ages to genuinely connect with God,and build and maintain a strong prayer life.

About the Author

Marion Stroud has written 3 children's books, and 23 non-fiction titles. She lives in Bedford UK the town in which John Bunyan wrote his famous Pilgrim's Progress. She is a cross cultural trainer for Media Associates International [www.littworld.org] which works to help Christian writers, editors and publishers write and publish culturally appropriate material in the 'spiritually hard places' of the world. You can contact Marion at www.marionstroud.com


 My Thoughts:
I read these books the wrong way around for the tour, so I haven't actually started reading this one yet. However, I'm really enjoying the other one (review to come next month).

The way I see it there are a few ways you can read this book.

One is to use it as a part of your daily devotional reading, particularly to direct part of your prayer time.

Another way is to use it as a tool when you don't know what to pray when faced with certain situations. The topics covered in this book are very wide and relevant for women (and men) in all stages of life, regardless of marital status or age.

However you decide to read this book, it will be worth it. You may get a different perspective on prayer, be encouraged in your walk with God, or find help in a time of need.