As Silver Refined by Kay Arthur

What Can You Do When Life Doesn't Turn Out Like You Planned?As Silver Refined
Answers to Life's Disappointments, As Silver Refined, written by Kay Arthur, is an eye-opening book which guides you to biblical truths that will help you break that cycle and instead embrace disappointment as the cleansing fire God uses to make you - as silver refined - a reflection of His goodness.
My first reaction was disappointment as I expected to find the answers in a more simplified explanation.  However, the depth of explanation is extensive, accurate, and extremely well presented.  As I read through each chapter I concluded how important this book is for individual study or a small support group.  It would be wise to take time to digest the wealth of information provided by Mrs. Arthur.
Now for the information provided.
Take Courage! How? That's what this book is about! How to handle life's disappointments God's way OR fall into the awful pit of despair.
My favorite part of this book was understanding meekness.  "Meekness is the key to acting rather than reacting . . . . the key to meekness is understanding the sovereignty and the character of God." (page 152) I hope you will read this book for this reason alone.
The companion study guide provided at the end of the book would be very beneficial to the application of each topic addressed.  Topics include failure, regrets, stress, pain and the positive scripture based topics of courage, joy, hope, victory and restoration. 
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Encounter, by Stephen Arterburn

The Encounter, a unique new book, kept my attention and it's a quick-read book that packs a powerful punch.  Stephen Arterburn, best-selling author and counselor, has an excellent knack for storytelling with the ability to give the reader the desire to think about how the story might apply to one's personal life.  If you've had an encounter such as this, you'll recognize the theme of forgiveness.


The Encounter, is a moving parable involving Jonathan Rush, a wealthy and famous entrepreneur, who is tortured by bitterness toward his mother who abandoned him when he was four. He travels to Alaska to find her but instead meets an enigmatic old woman known only as Mercy.  Mercy has the information he needs but is strangely reluctant to talk to him. Somehow Jonathan must find a way to persuade a frightened woman to unlock the secrets of his past.


The end result is a healthy new way to look at life with an ability to share hope with others for the future. Healing is possible but requires truth, acceptance, and forgiveness, including of oneself.

I would highly recommend this book for young teens through adults.

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Just In Case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado

Just In Case You Ever Wonder, written by Max Lucado,  is now sitting on my "permanent books" shelf.  This one is a keeper and I'll read it as often as possible to my grandchildren.

The cover illustration, by Toni Goffe, caught my eye before I even opened this book.  Every child wishes for this scene with their parent and the story, Just In Case Your Ever Wonder will be a favorite for your child or grandchild to read again and again.

The affirmations on each page give hope for each of us.  Knowing that you'll always be loved, always be hugged, always have someone on your side, will help children and adults cope with life's ups and downs.

Each page of this hard-cover book are filled with gentle, soft-colored illustrations that give that warm, fuzzy feeling.  I believe I would read this book to a child at any age.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”